Online Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security – Biosecurity and Threat Management

Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security with a concentration in biosecurity and threat management prepares you for careers related to public health, emergency response and biodefense. This degree provides you with the knowledge needed to keep people, animals and plants safe from the effects of hazardous biological agents.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered

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What are threat management and biosecurity?

Threat management refers to developing strategies and practices that help protect people, animals and plants from natural and manmade hazards. Biosecurity focuses on preventing and mitigating hazardous biological agents, whether they occur naturally in the environment or are man-made.

The biosecurity and threat management concentration is a part of the Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security. This program has five concentrations, including biosecurity and threat management. Concentrations are chosen based on specific career goals and interests. Additional concentrations include:

Learn to manage biosecurity threats and disasters

This biosecurity and threat management concentration combines public health, risk management and homeland security skills. Students learn to manage and mitigate risks of pandemics, bioterrorism and other biosecurity threats.

In this program, you’ll cover a variety of topics, including how to:

  • Assess safety programs and situations.
  • Develop governance and plans to prepare for biological threats.
  • Manage crises and emergencies.
  • Prevent hazards from impacting society and reduce harm in cases where prevention isn’t possible.

You’ll also develop the ability to lead response and recovery efforts. There may be periods of uncertainty or high stress, but you can develop the skills to manage recovery efforts and lead others confidently. These skills are in demand in the marketplace. Biosecurity and threat management careers span from government-related positions to private-sector jobs in health care and security.

Are biodefense and biosecurity the same thing?

Biodefense is a subset of biosecurity and is primarily focused on protecting human health and the environment against the potential use of biological agents as weapons. Biodefense involves the development of medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and treatments, as well as strategies for detection and response to a biological attack.

Biosecurity, on the other hand, refers to the measures taken to protect against the accidental or intentional release of dangerous biological agents from laboratories and other facilities. This includes security measures to prevent the theft or loss of dangerous biological materials, as well as the development of policies and procedures for the safe handling and storage of these materials.

Biodefense is considered a growing field. The threat of biological weapons and the potential for outbreaks of infectious diseases have prompted governments, research institutions and private sector organizations to invest more resources in biodefense research and development, which has created more demand for biodefense jobs.

Does my biosecurity and threat management degree concentration say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Your concentration in biosecurity and threat management will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.

Biosecurity and threat management classes

This program places an emphasis on complementing traditional content with an integration of key fields in biosecurity, such as public health and disaster management. Some of the required coursework in the biosecurity and threat management concentration is offered through the University of New South Wales as part of the PLuS alliance program, allowing you to gain an international perspective on cyber issues. Courses may include:


What can I do with a biosecurity and threat management degree concentration?

A biosecurity and threat management concentration can help you pursue key leadership and management positions in a variety of public sector agencies at the federal, state and local levels. There are also private-sector job options managing emergency preparedness for hospitals or companies. Possible career outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Learn from faculty skilled in threat and disaster management

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Learn from faculty skilled in threat and disaster management

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Biosecurity and threat management degree concentration requirements

To apply to the biosecurity and threat management concentration, you must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Nationally recognized public service programs

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.

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Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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