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Online Biotechnology Master's Degree

Biosecurity/Biodefense

Biotechnology: Biosecurity & Biodefense
Master's Specialization
AT A GLANCE
  • 36 credits
  • Transfer up to 6 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
  • Program restrictions apply
TUITION
  • $514 per credit (in-state)
  • $659 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $480 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Apply Now
Next Session Starts
January 11

Gain skills and knowledge to prepare for work in biosecurity and biodefense.

The threat of biowarfare has created a new demand for professionals who can use technology to detect, analyze, and respond to biosecurity threats. With an online master’s degree in biotechnology with a specialization in biosecurity and biodefense from University of Maryland Global Campus, you’ll study the microbiology and epidemiology of biological agents that are potential threats, identify and propose countermeasures, and develop expertise in response.

Total Credits Required: 36

Initial Requirement

  • (0 Credits, UCSP 615)
    (to be taken within the first 6 credits of study)

The UCSP 615 requirement may be waived if you previously earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

Core Courses

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 640)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 630)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 645)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 643)
  • (3 Credits, PMAN 634)

Specialization Courses

  • (3 Credits, BSBD 640)
  • (3 Credits, BSBD 641)
  • (3 Credits, HSMN 630)
  • (3 Credits, BSBD 642)
  • (6 Credits, BSBD 643)

Capstone Course

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 670S)

If you are certified as a Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute and begin study for the master's degree within five years of earning certification, you may receive credit for Foundations of Project Management (3 Credits, PMAN 634). Advisors can provide more information.

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 601), if required, may be taken concurrently with (3 Credits, BIOT 640).
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 640) must be taken as the first program course.
  • You must complete all core courses with the BIOT designator in the order listed before starting any specialization coursework.
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 670S) must be taken after you complete 30 credits of program coursework toward the M.S. in Biotechnology. The course is not offered in summer. Check the Schedule of Classes to learn more about the availability of the capstone course.

General Master's Degree Requirements

  • You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
  • All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
  • Any transfer credits must have been earned within the five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.

Please review the overall master’s degree requirements for additional considerations.

This is our recommended course sequence to progress through this program. This sequence incorporates course prerequisites and program requirements but does not list course alternatives that may be available. We recommend you take a maximum of 6 credits per term. You cannot take a prerequisite with its subsequent course during the same session. Your plan will be unique and dependent on multiple factors, including the number of credits you transfer to this program.

Contact an advisor if you any questions about this plan, course alternatives, or your course load limit.

Sequence Course
1
(0 Credits, UCSP 615)
2
(3 Credits, BIOT 640)
3
(3 Credits, BIOT 630)
4
(3 Credits, BIOT 645)
5
(3 Credits, BIOT 643)
6
(3 Credits, PMAN 634)
7
(3 Credits, BSBD 640)
8
(3 Credits, BSBD 641)
9
(3 Credits, HSMN 630)
10
(3 Credits, BSBD 642)
11
(6 Credits, BSBD 643)
12
(3 Credits, BIOT 670S)

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2022–2023 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Master’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each master's degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all master’s degrees.
See Requirements

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Develop Research
Analyze real cases of epidemics, biowarfare, and bioethical research problems.
Evaluate Processes
Communicate current trends in biodefense policies, laws, and best practices
Gain Hands-On Experience
Work on a team for a sponsoring agency or organization and tackle a real project.
Proactively Solve Problems
Participate in a simulation of a bioterrorist attack and prepare recovery plans.
Analyze Data
Perform risk assessments and potential impact analyses to handle adverse events.
Develop Leadership Skills
Develop advanced project management skills to lead teams.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help you prepare for work that involves applying policy and using technology to combat biosecurity threats. Potential employers are in the government, public, and private sectors.

287K
Biotechnology Jobs
There are more than 287,000 people employed in the biotechnology industry in the United States as of 2020.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Biotechnology in the US Employment Statistics 2005-2026" | 2020

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Special Designations

Professional Science Master’s Degree

Professional Science Master’s Degree

Professional Science Master’s Degree logo

Professional Science Master’s Degree

This program has received a special designation as Professional Science Master’s Degree program through the Council of Graduate Schools.

Professional Science Master's (PSM) programs are designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science or mathematics and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.

Additional Program Information

  • You must complete a molecular biology course, with a minimum grade of C for an undergraduate course or B for a graduate course, to be accepted into this program; upon submission of an official transcript, you may be accepted into the degree program without a molecular biology course, but you must take either a college-level molecular biology course or
    (3 Credits, BIOT 601) before the required program core.

  • (0 Credits, UCSP 605) is recommended to help improve writing skills.
  • 2019, Top Online Master's in Biotechnology Programs, UMGC's Master of Science in Biotechnology, OnlineMasters.com
 

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