Purdue University Graduate Certificate Program in Veterinary Homeland Security

Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine in cooperation with Purdue Homeland Security Institute present a Graduate Certificate Program in Veterinary Homeland Security.

The Veterinary Homeland Security Certificate Program is a graduate level distance learning program designed to meet the needs of individuals involved in animal emergency response. Individuals with expertise in veterinary medicine, public health, animal science, or homeland security are encouraged to participate. Participants will enhance their understanding of natural and intentional threats to animal health, strengthen their skills in management of animal health emergencies, and develop problem-solving expertise to be effective members of an animal emergency response team.

The program is a cooperative effort among The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Purdue University Homeland Security Institute, the Indiana Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and the Indiana State Police.

Course Curriculum

Courses will be delivered by distance learning. Students can access course material on the National Biosecurity Resource Center website, or by CD-Rom if the student does not have high speed internet access. An average grade of B or higher overall is required. If the student receives a lower grade in a course, he/she may repeat it once, or, for elective courses only, substitute another approved elective. The repetition or replacement will be allowed for a maximum of one course.
A total of 9 credit hours is required to complete the program.

All courses are 1.0 credit unless noted.
* 0.5 Credit Course

Required (4.5 Credits)

  • Introduction to Veterinary Homeland Security
  • High Consequence Disease Review: Zoonotic
  • * Defining the Threat
  • * Understanding the Response
  • Biosecurity for Veterinary Responders
  • * The Veterinarian's Role in Community Planning
Electives (4.5 Credits)
  • High Consequence Disease Review: Multiple Species
  • High Consequence Disease Review: Bovine
  • High Consequence Disease Review: Equine
  • * High Consequence Disease Review: Swine
  • High Consequence Disease Review: Minor Species
  • High Consequence Disease Review: Avian
  • Euthanasia and Carcass Disposal
  • Food Borne Illnesses
  • GIS Applications in Veterinary Emergency Management
  • Managing an Emergency
  • Crime Scene Management
  • Radiological Events: Implications for Animal and Food Safety

Application Process

Apply in two easy steps.

Step 1

Apply to Veterinary Homeland Security Certificate Program (FREE)

Get the application here: Vet HLS Application (PDF)

Applicant must submit:

  • Contact information (Full Name, Mailing Address, Phone, E-Mail address, Fax)
  • A statement (<250 words) of why the applicant should be considered for this program
  • Write or type, sign, and date, the following statements:
    • "I have never been convicted of a felony."
    • "I give Purdue University permission to perform a criminal background check."
  • Submit additional information below as applicable:

Veterinarians:
  • The applicant veterinarian must submit proof (Active license number OR Transcript) of a D.V.M. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution in the USA, or a duly recognized foreign institution.
  • One signed and sealed 'letter of reference' to be sent separately to the Purdue Homeland Security Institute.
Non-Veterinarians:
  • The applicant non-veterinarian must submit proof (transcript) of a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area (including but not limited to medical science, animal science, biology, public health) with a Graduation Index (or GPA) of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution in the USA, or a duly recognized foreign institution.
  • A curriculum vita (resume)
  • Two signed and sealed 'letter of references' to be sent separately to the Purdue Homeland Security Institute.

All materials should be sent to:
Purdue Homeland Security Institute
Attn: Vet Homeland Security
403 W. State St. Room 747
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2056

Step 2

Acceptance into Purdue University's Graduate School.

Applicants gaining approval in STEP 1 will be forwarded information on how to apply to the Purdue University Graduate Program. There is a $55.00 application fee.

Applicants who are approved by the Purdue Homeland Security Institute (Step 1) and accepted by the Purdue Graduate School (Step 2) will be provided information for course enrollment.

Note: For International students whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 is also required. Alternate criteria may be applied to applicants who have been in the US for at least two years.

Application Deadlines

January 8 - Registration deadline for spring session.
Please allow 3 weeks for the application process to be completed.

If the application process is completed after a deadline has passed, the enrollment will be active for the following semester.

Common FAQ's

What are additional fees for the courses?
   The cost is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
   Fees for the Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 sessions will be $254.15 per one credit course.
   Fees for half credit courses will be $127.08.
   Each one credit course will cover 15 hours of continuing education credit.

What is the time period that courses and the program must be completed in?
   Courses are to be completed in the semester taken, but there is flexibility in that regard.
   There is a Four (4) year time limit that all courses must be completed for the program.

What is the structure/layout of the courses?
   Lectures are administered online and will be available 24 hours a day.
   Each lecture will be available in video, audio, and transcript forms.

Other Questions?

Contact Mr. Thad Blossom
Agricultural Outreach Coordinator of the
Purdue Homeland Security Institute at
(765) 494-9793 or tblossom@purdue.edu