Subplan Advisory Committee
Dr. Joshua Santarpia and Dr. John Lowe (Co-Chairs) and Graduate faculty members associated with the Global Center for Health Security
MS Curriculum
Students enrolled in this sub-plan will engage in and learn processes and methodologies affiliated with the fundamental elements and scientific principles needed to develop successfully in the emerging global security areas related to defense against infectious disease. Two tracks are available to students: one focused on biosurveillance and biodefense science related to national security and another focused on basic and clinical science related to global health. Either track will consist of a mix of technical courses designed to develop a deep technical understanding of the student’s focus area, and practical or policy courses designed to guide the student to successful application. Many basic scientists do not receive formal training in methods for understanding global public health or national security applications of their work, but it is critical that biodefense and health security students have training grounded in the principles to conduct research aimed at protecting civilian and military populations, and an appreciation for the unique research applications in this area
General requirements
- Completion of at least 30 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree, including both lecture coursework and research credits
- Completion of coursework
- Completion of the comprehensive examination
- Completion of a research project consistent with a master's level achievement
- Completion and successful defense of a master's thesis (Thesis Option)
Coursework
The coursework requirements for the MSIA - Biological Defense and Health Security MS program are listed below:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Requirement | ||
| BIOS 806 | BIOSTATISTICS | 3 |
| Other Requirements | ||
| BDHS 802 | RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE AND HEALTH SECURITY | 3 |
| EPI 805 | HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE IN PUBLIC HEALTH | 3 |
| Students may take EPI 805 -or- take another class in Human Health & Disease in consultation with their Supervisory Committee. | ||
| MSIA 970 | SEMINAR (to be taken for two semesters) | 2 |
| MSIA 899 | MASTERS THESIS | variable |
| Completion of a thesis project | ||
| Electives (2 courses): | ||
| Students will work with their Supervisory Committee to select appropriate electives. | ||
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| Final Oral Exam | ||
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biosurveillance & Biodefense Track Core (choose one course) | ||
| BDHS 801 | AEROBIOLOGY: THEORY AND PRACTICE | 3 |
| PMI 890 | MOLECULAR BIOL VIRUSES | 3 |
| PMI 898 | BACTERIAL GENETICS | 3 |
| or | ||
| PMI 910 | BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS | 3 |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Global Health Security Track Core | ||
| HPRO 830 | FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 3 |