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Georgetown University's biomedical graduate programs offer a variety of outstanding training environments responsive to the needs and interests of a diverse population of students. As a focus for educational training and research in the biomedical sciences, Georgetown Univesity's Medical Center offers students not only a tradition of excellence in education, research and patient care spanning nearly a century and a half, but also the excitement of an institution in ferment, aware of its growing stature in national and international distinction in academic medicine.
NOTE: To learn more about a particular program, click on the program name.
Certificate Programs (non-degree)
The following non-degree certificate programs differ from a traditional masters or doctoral program in that a degree is not awarded. Individuals considering a certificate program as a precursor to a masters or doctoral degree program should note that coursework taken as part of a non-degree certificate program may or may not be transferrable into a degree program at Georgetown or other universities.
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Biodefense & Public Policy Certificate Program - A joint effort between the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) and the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. With the threat of biological terrorism made more manifest since 9/11, there exists a crucial need for trained staff and executives not only in such disciplines as microbiology and immunology but also in public policy. To meet that need the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) offer a joint Certificate in Biodefense and Public Policy. The new security environment creates a need for people inside government who not only understand biohazardous threat agents but also are skilled in the tools and techniques of policy analysis and management. The Certificate's combination of scientific and administrative disciplines will enable our graduates to provide leadership not only in the technical aspects of emergency response but also in the crucial policy and administrative challenges that arise in planning response strategies and responding to incidents.
Courses are given for credit, and students who wish to continue their studies in masters programs offered by GPPI or the Department of Microbiology & Immunology receive 15 credits toward the full graduate degree.
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Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases Online Certificate Program - The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University recently launched the new Online Certificate in Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases. The 12-credit graduate program, which focuses on the science behind the agents and diseases they cause, began its inaugural year in 2006.
The certificate program consists of four core online courses, taught by experts in the field, which can be taken as part of a full-time or part-time course of study. If pursued on a full-time basis, the certificate program is a one-year commitment. Courses include:
- Microbiology of Biological Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases, which covers the normal immune response both innate and acquired to infectious diseases;
- Bioterrorism, which examines the use of biological weapons including anthrax, plague and botulism;
- Biosurveillance I: An Applied, Multidisciplinary Perspective, which examines the implications for biosurveillance of political and organizational controversies about defending against terrorism including bioterrorism;
- Homeland Security 2015, which examines threats to the United States, how they might evolve over the next ten years, and the consequent implications for science, technology and homeland security.
These courses join existing offerings and seminars in related disciplines, including virology, immunology and pathogens.
The program is offered in its entirety online for full time or part time study.
Graduate credit hours earned within this new online program are fully recognized by the Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and are transferable into on-campus graduate programs.
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Biotechnology Graduate Certificate Program - Biotechnology is emerging as one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. Advances fueled by the biotechnology industry have revolutionized health care, agriculture and environmental remediation in the 21st century. Over the last two decades there has been a mushrooming of biotechnology, which has affected various aspects of our society. This Certificate Program, which includes concentrations in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and DNA Forensics, is for individuals who have an interest in pursuing careers in the biotechnology industry or in qualifying to pursue the M.S. degree program. Participants usually have experience in a variety of allied areas such as in the sciences, business or law.
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Masters Programs
The following masters degree programs may generally be completed in one year on a full-time basis, though many of these programs also offer the opportunity to complete the program on a part-time basis.
- M.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - This degree provides a comprehensive background suitable for the career development of students interested in medicine, biotechnology, and the biomedical sciences.
- M.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - Bioinformatics Track - This degree program has an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes bioinformatics of genomics, proteomics and systems biology, built upon the research strengths of bioinformatics infrastructure at the Protein Information Resource (PIR) and Georgetown University. With computer lab-based courses and a bioinformatics internship, students will gain hands-on experience in applying bioinformatics to biomedical research, from basic molecular sequence analysis to advanced high-throughput omics data analysis.
- M.S. in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases - This unique program aims to broaden the student?s knowledge about prevention, detection, and response to chemical, biological, and radiological threat agents as well as emerging infectious diseases. Beyond the issue of first response to events of biological terrorism, the program addresses the knowledge gap in the science of biohazardous agents and infectious diseases facing the world community, whether such threats occur naturally or are purposefully distributed. The education leading to such a degree is especially crucial for students seeking positions in government, private, and defense industry where knowledge of biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction are vital in preventing a potential terrorist attack in response to a terrorist event.
- M.S. in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy - Science Policy and Advocacy have recently come into sharp focus, as the US and the international community struggles with issues in public health, basic research, and biological security. The world of today is in clear need of professionals who are able to grasp
and evaluate policy efforts and the science behind them. This program aims to provide students with an understanding of policy principles as well as familiarity with essential concepts in the field of biomedical science. We feel that this dichotomy is essential for making educated and effective decisions in the crucial field of science policy today. From stem cell research to bioterrorism, science has quickly come to the forefront of the global health and security agenda and the policy decisions we make as a society will affect us for years to come.
- M.S. in Biostatistics - This program provides integrated training in computational, quantitative, and biomedical sciences to support health-related research performed in academia, government, and industry. Students will not only acquire the quantitative and computational tools that underpin epidemiology and bioinformatics, but also gain substantive exposure to applications of these tools to biological and health sciences. In-class instruction is supplemented with opportunities for practical training. Today's life-science research demands a wider synthesis of skills from multiple disciplines than ever before. To address this need, it is essential to train individuals who focus on data-analysis and informatics tools and exploit databases for broad-based biomedical information. Individuals so educated will be invaluable members of the kinds of interdisciplinary teams required to solve many current and future problems in health sciences.
- M.S. in Biotechnology - Biotechnology is emerging as one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. Advances fueled by the biotechnology industry have revolutionized health care, agriculture and environmental remediation in the 21st century. Over the last two decades there has been a mushrooming of biotechnology, which has affected various aspects of our society. Georgetown University offers a curriculum that reflects the multidisciplinary nature of Biotechnology, integrating theoretical and lab-based science courses with emphasis on the commercial, bioethical and legal framework of this field.
- M.S. in Health Physics - The field of Health Physics is devoted to protection from the health effects associated with exposure to radiation. There is a growing need in the US government and other international, regional and local agencies for well-trained professionals in the field of Health Physics. The objectives of this program are to provide graduate level training in Health Physics and to create a talented pool of Nuclear Nonproliferation specialists with a strong background in the scientific and technological aspects of the subject and appreciation of the policy issues involved. This program offers a special track in Nuclear Nonproliferation Studies.
- M.S. in Microbiology & Immunology - A flexible program of study designed to help students achieve their individual educational goals and career objectives. A broad range of course offerings allow the student to gain or enhance their background in microbiology, immunology, and various aspects of modern molecular genetics. Laboratory experience in specialized techniques is also available. The program is intended to enhance career advancement in teaching and industry or prepare a student for a career in research.
- M.S. in Pharmacology - Opportunities for masters level pharmacologists exist in the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies and laboratories as well as at biotechnology companies. Focus areas include neuropharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology and cancer pharmacology. Masters students may also decide to apply for Ph.D. or M.D. programs, where the coursework undertaken in this master's program will prove beneficial. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available, depending on the needs and qualifications of the student.
- M.S. in Physiology & Biophysics - Active research programs in basic and applied biomedical sciences emphasize the cellular and molecular basis of function, in the context of understanding the integrative mechanisms of physiological processes, and are conducted by a vigorous and productive faculty in well-equipped, state-of-the-art facilities.
- M.S. in Physiology & Biophysics, with specialization in Complementary & Alternative Medicine - The first M.S. program of its type at a major US medical center. Georgetown University's School of Medicine is a leader in ?integrative medicine? ? medicine that incorporates efficacious, evidence-based practices from complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as well as conventional medical practice. The goal is to train students who will enter careers in the private and public sector related to CAM research, education, administration or regulatory affairs. Some of our graduate may apply their training in CAM by pursuing further education toward a healthcare career.
- Special M.S. in Physiology & Biophysics - A one-year program designed to enhance academic records for medical school applications. The special masters program (SMP) was founded in 1975, and remains the premier program of its type. Students are taught and advised by the faculty of Georgetown University School of Medicine, and are enrolled in most of the first year medical school courses, along with several graduate courses. Graduates of the SMP are accepted to MD granting institutions across the nation, and as a result of the SMP experience, they are empowered to excel as medical students.
- M.S. in Tumor Biology - Every fourth person in the Western world dies of cancer. This program is designed for those individuals who wish to learn both the basic facts and most current research findings related to the biology of cancer, and who want to join the global fight against cancer. Students are provided with a comprehensive curriculum and an interdisciplinary knowledge and approach in the study of Tumor Biology, including the biology of cancer prevention and treatment, and basic knowledge related to cancer control.
M.D./M.S. Programs
Georgetown University-s School of Medicine, in cooperation with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, provides the opportunity to combine each of the masters degree programs noted above (with the exception of the special M.S. in Physiology & Biophysics-SMP) with an M.D. degree. Interested individuals must complete the applications for both the School of Medicine and for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
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Doctoral Programs
Doctoral training programs leading to the Ph.D. degree in a basic science discipline have a similar core curriculum requiring didactic course work and electives; laboratory rotations; departmental activities such as seminars and journal clubs; and the submission and defense of an original research dissertation.
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - Research efforts include biochemistry of protein structure and function, regulatory mechanisms of steroid synthesis, neuro-degenerative diseases, endocrine disruptors and male reproduction, lymphocyte development, protein-nucleic acid interactions, lipid and membrane biochemistry, molecular parasitology, tumor biology, transcriptional regulation, and molecular mechanisms of signal transduction.
- Ph.D. in Cell Biology - Research projects include cell biology, reproductive and developmental biology, and tumor biology, and span a broad range of biological problems, from the molecular to the organismal level, including: gene cloning, purification of proteins, preparation of monoclonal antibodies, computer analysis of light or electron micrographs, biochemical or immunological 'dissection' of cell systems, and electrophysiological recording from single cells or cell groups.
- Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology - Research activities span a broad spectrum of sub-disciplines and utilize cellular, biochemical, and molecular approaches to study current problems in microbiology & immunology. Virology research encompasses mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, tumor pathogenesis caused by oncogenic viruses, the development of new anti-viral therapies and vaccine development. Mycology research focuses on the molecular genetics of tissue invasiveness and pathogenesis of human fungal infections. Immunological research includes the study of abnormalities in gene expression associated with autoimmune and infectious diseases, the development of novel therapeutic modalities for autoimmune diseases and tumor immunology. Expertise in bacteriology includes the bacteriologic and immunologic mechanisms leading to the development of commensal flora in the body.
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience - Students in this interdisciplinary/interdepartmental program obtain a background covering cellular, molecular, and systems approaches to neuroscience. Research areas include: excitatory amino acids; receptors, second messengers and signal transduction; development, neurotrophic factors, regeneration, and recovery of function after injury; neuroimmunology; clinical neuroscience/CNS disorders; cognitive/computational neuroscience/neural networks.
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology - A major thrust of the program?s research is aimed at understanding the ways in which drugs affect the regulation of nervous system functions. This includes:
neurotransmitter/ receptor interactions; the pharmacology of nerve terminals; the neurochemical effects of spinal cord injury; the role of innervation in the development and control of cardiac arrhythmias; and the role of the nervous system in the action of drugs on the heart. Other active research programs involve the study of cancer, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory pharmacology.
- Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics - Active research programs in basic and applied biomedical sciences emphasize the cellular and molecular basis of function, in the context of understanding the integrative mechanisms of physiological processes. Research areas include: cardiovascular/renal; neuroendocrinology; neurophysiology; cognitive neuroscience.
- Ph.D. in Tumor Biology - This interdisciplinary/interdepartmental program supports education and training of graduate level cancer researchers, and is one of less than a dozen such programs in the U.S. Tumor Biology at Georgetown has as its focal point the Lombardi Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Areas of particular strength include research in breast cancer, tobacco use, gene-environment interactions, diet and nutrition, developmental therapeutics, molecular cytogenetics, and tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
M.D./Ph.D. Program
Georgetown University's School of Medicine, in cooperation with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, sponsors an M.D./Ph.D. Program that provides exceptionally talented students with the opportunity to earn both a medical degree and a doctorate through a dual-degree program. In addition to the seven biomedical Ph.D. degree options described herewith, a Ph.D. in Philosophy/Bioethics is also available in conjunction with the Department of Philosophy. Individuals interested in the M.D./Ph.D. dual-degree program must complete the applications for both the School of Medicine and for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Return to Biomedical Graduate Programs page.
Alternatively, you may view programs grouped by degree.
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Georgetown University
Office of Biomedical Graduate Education
Biomedical Graduate Research Organization
3900 Reservoir Rd, NW, Med-Dent, Room NE 303
Box 571411
Washington, DC 20057
updated 6/27/2006
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