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 Graduate Certificate Program is designed to meet the needs of practicing veterinarians that volunteer on State emergency response teams. However, individuals with expertise in public health, animal science or homeland security may participate with instructor approval.

The underlying fundamentals of responding to animal health emergencies, whether intentional or natural events, will be covered in required courses. Elective courses such as radiological and chemical events, euthanasia and carcass disposal, geographical information systems, and crime scene management will allow the veterinarian to develop a specialty in a specific area of Veterinary Homeland Security. In this way, the program of study can be tailored to meet individual needs of members of emergency response teams.

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, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Currently, there is a significant shortage of veterinarians to serve our nation's future needs in public health, regulatory medicine and food animal medicine. The provision of remotely accessible, quality training for existing veterinary professionals and other qualified individuals by this program would provide an immediate means of addressing the current shortage.

Specifically, participants would:

  • Enhance understanding of natural and intentional threats to animal health;
  • Strengthen skills to prevent animal health emergencies;
  • Develop problem solving expertise to be an effective member of an animal emergency response team.

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
† 1.5 Credit Course

Required (4.5 Credits)

  • VCS 640: Introduction to Veterinary Homeland Security
  • VCS 647: High Consequence Disease Review: Zoonotic
  • VCS 648: *Defining the Threat
  • VCS 649: *Understanding the Response
  • VCS 651: Biosecurity for Veterinary Responders
  • VCS 653: *The Veterinarian's Role in Community Planning
Electives (4.5 Credits)
  • VCS 641: High Consequence Disease Review: Multiple Species
  • VCS 642: High Consequence Disease Review: Bovine
  • VCS 643: High Consequence Disease Review: Equine
  • VCS 644: *High Consequence Disease Review: Swine
  • VCS 645: High Consequence Disease Review: Minor Species
  • VCS 646: † High Consequence Disease Review: Avian
  • VCS 652: Euthanasia and Carcass Disposal
  • VCS 654: Food Borne Illnesses
  • VCS 655: GIS Applications in Veterinary Emergency Management
  • VCS 656: Managing an Emergency
  • VCS 657: Crime Scene Management
  • VCS 658: Radiological Events: Implications for Animal and Food Safety
  • VCS 659: *Business Continuity Management

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
203 S. Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1971

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.

Note: Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks to complete the entire application process.

Registration Deadlines

Summer registration is currently active.

June 9 - Summer session begins.

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 2007, Spring 2008 and Summer 2008 session will be $265.60 per one credit course.
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 us at:
Phone: (765) 494-9798
Fax: (765) 494-9781
nbrc@purdue.edu