Purdue University Graduate Certificate Program in Veterinary Homeland Security

Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine presents a Graduate Certificate Program in Veterinary Homeland Security. APHIS has declared the curriculum in compliance with National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS) Guidelines. The Veterinary Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Program is 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.

The underlying fundamentals of responding to animal health emergencies, whether intentional or natural events, will be covered in required courses. Elective courses will allow participants 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.

The program is a cooperative effort among the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Indiana Board of Animal Health, the Indiana State Police, and many others. 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.

The program is still in development. For a listing of currently offered courses please see: Current Course Offerings

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 with permission. 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 642: High Consequence Disease Review: Bovine
  • VCS 643: High Consequence Disease Review: Equine
  • * VCS 644: High Cons equence Disease Review: Swine
  • VCS 645: High Consequence Disease Review: Minor Species
  • † VCS 646: High Consequence Disease Review: Avian
  • VCS 654: Food Borne Illness
  • VCS 655: GIS Applications in Veterinary Emergency Management
  • VCS 657: Crime Scene Management
  • * 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 per form a criminal background check."
  • Submit additional information below as applicable:

Veterinarians:
  • The applicant licensed veterinarian must have a D.V.M. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution in the USA, or a recognized foreign institution.
  • One signed and sealed letter of reference to be sent separately to the Veterinary Homeland Security Certificate Program.
Non-Veterinarians:
  • The applicant non-licensed veterinarian or 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 Veterinary Homeland Security Certificate Program.
  • For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 77 (with required Graduate School minimums on the four sub-tests) is also required.

All materials should be sent to:
Veterinary Homeland Security
Purdue University
VCS/LYNN Room 1352
625 Harrison Street
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2026

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.

For further information regarding application process please contact us at nbrc@purdue.edu

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

Registration Deadlines

August 23rd - Fall semester begins, registration deadline

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 2010, Spring 2011 and Summer 2011 sessions will be $324.75 per one credit course.
Each one credit course will cover 15 hours of continuing education credit.

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.

Additional program guidelines can be found here.

Other Questions?

Contact us at:
Phone: 765-494-9798
Fax: 765-496-2608
Email: nbrc@purdue.edu