The Georgetown Difference

Invested in providing a transformative experience through training, resources, and personalized career strategies in order to equip you to reach your career aspirations.

Unique Program Features


Courses taught by well-respected faculty who are practitioners and leaders in the fields of health and security.


Located in the nation’s capital, which is home to numerous federal departments and agencies, international organizations, and global health security NGOs.


Over a decade of graduates, spanning the globe, working in government, intel, and academia. Go to our LinkedIn to learn about our Alumni.


Accelerated one year program designed to provide career placement opportunities to graduates.

Why a degree in biodefense?

Biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental or intentional have a serious impact on the global community. Initiatives to counter bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases have become a key part of national defense strategies. Outbreaks of diseases can span the globe within days due to advances in travel and trade. Disease events can impact public health, the veterinary sector, agricultural products and cause economic and social disruptions.

Advances in science and technology allow for more efficient diagnostics, treatments, and preventative countermeasures while at the same time presenting new security risks. This ever-evolving landscape requires an interdisciplinary approach and a workforce for global health security and biodefense.

Biodefense refers to any action or policy to counter biological threats, reduce risks, and prepare for, respond to, and recover from any biological incident whether it be a natural, accidental or deliberate event.

A biohazard is a biological agent that presents a real or potential danger to humans, animals, and/or the environment.

This program is targeted for students majors with an interest in working in the fields of health security and biodefense.