Complete the Education Plan Form for the term you were admitted.

Fall 2008 Admission:

Students receiving this degree must successfully complete a minimum of 72 graduate credits distributed as follows:

• Seven required courses (19 credits): BIOD 604, 605, 609, 702 (1 credit); PUAD 630 ; GOVT 500, 540
• One course (3 credits) of an additional approved advanced research course (qualitative or quantitative)
• Four courses (12 credit) in a concentration:

• Concentration in International Security - This concentration provides students with a foundation in the international dimensions of biodefense and biosecurity and the international security implications of proliferation, terrorism, and health crises. Students will learn to apply theories of international relations and security studies to the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, the development of international laws and norms, and the role of international organizations in fostering international cooperation to combat shared threats. Students will also have the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of intelligence and the role of intelligence in national security decision-making.

Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: BIOD 620, 621, 622, 705, 706, 709, 722, 725, 760, 761; GOVT 641, 741, 745, 843; PUAD 504, 701, 727; PUBP 757, 758   

• Concentration in Homeland Security - This concentration provides students with a background in the principles and policies of homeland security with an emphasis on medical and public health preparedness for man-made and naturally occurring disasters. Students will learn about the art and practice of the full spectrum of emergency preparedness activities including prevention, planning, detection, response and recovery. Students will also become familiar with methodologies for assessing threats posed by terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and naturally occurring epidemics.

Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: BIOD 710, 722, 723, 725, 726, 751, 752, 760, 761, 766, 767; GOVT 510, 706, 755; PUAD 631, 635, 727, 731, 750; PUBP 757, 758; PHIL 642

• Two courses (6 credits) from the field outside of the student's concentration
• 3 to 9 credits of BIOD 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
• 9 to 18 credits of BIOD 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research

Fall 2007 Admission:

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 72 graduate credits. In addition to core courses and a colloquium, students develop a program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor.  Following completion of all or nearly all coursework, students pass a doctoral candidacy qualifying exam, are advanced to candidacy by the dean, and complete a dissertation. The dissertation consists of an original and independent research project in biodefense and demonstrates mastery of the subject matter as well as required methodologies.

• 4 core courses (12 credits): BIOD 604, 605, 607, PUAD 631
• 3 credits of colloquium BIOD 702
• Minimum 9 credits of BIOD elective coursework chosen in consultation with an advisor to build area of expertise, prepare student for doctoral exams, and lead to dissertation research; plus elective coursework to complete required number of credits
• 12 – 24 credits of dissertation proposal and research:  BIOD 998, 999

Students must present the results of the dissertation research to their dissertation committee , in a seminar, and  defend their dissertation to the university community.. Successful completion of a dissertation is contingent upon approval of the dissertation committee and the dean. The dissertation format must be reviewed and approved by the dissertation/thesis service coordinator in the University Libraries. See the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog for policies governing all doctoral degrees and dissertations.

Reduction of Credit:
For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree or other graduate credit, the number of required credits may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits with the approval of the program director and the dean.

Prior to Fall 2007:

All students are required to complete 72 credits including dissertation proposal and research.  Students may choose an area of concentration based on coursework specified in the university catalog.  Students must pass a doctoral qualifying exam.  Degree requirements include:

• Four core courses (12 credits): BIOD 604, 605, 606 or 610 Crisis & Consequence Mgmt., 607
• At least 2 credits of seminars: BIOD 702 and 703
• At least 9 credits of upper-level BIOD coursework in a concentration or area of study
• Biodefense electives or courses in areas related to the concentration chosen in consultation with advisor and approved by doctoral coordinator
• Dissertation proposal and research (12-24 credits): BIOD 998, 999

Students carry out an original and independent research project in biodefense. They must present the results of the dissertation research to their graduate committee in a public defense.  Successful completion of a dissertation is contingent upon approval of the majority of the graduate committee and the dean. The dissertation format must be reviewed and approved by the dissertation/thesis service coordinator in the University Libraries.

Reduction of Credit:
For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree or other graduate credit, the number of required credits may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits with the approval of the program director and the dean.

For further information please contact the program's Graduate Coordinator.