Food Safety and Quality - MFSQ
About This Degree
The master of food safety and quality degree is a professional degree designed to provide students with in-depth training in food safety assurance.
It also trains students in the use of management systems that address food safety through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, and manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.
The degree is primarily intended for individuals who plan to have careers in food quality assurance or other food safety-related positions in the food industry, and is offered completely online.
Because this program is designated as a Western Regional Graduate Program, students from participating western states qualify for in-state tuition. For more information, visit http://wrgp.wiche.edu.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Department: Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
- Statewide campuses
- USU Online
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate with the MFMS degree typically pursue careers in food quality assurance or other food safety-related positions in the food industry.
Job Outlook
USU Locations
*This degree is available at various USU locations.
- Beaver
- Bicknell
- Blanding
- Brigham City
- Castle Dale
- Cedar City
- Delta
- Ephraim
- Heber City
- Junction
- Kanab
- Kaysville
- Moab
- Montezuma Creek
- Monticello
- Monument Valley
- Nephi
- Orem
- Panguitch
- Park City
- Price (USU Eastern)
- Richfield
- Roosevelt (Uintah Basin)
- Salt Lake
- St George
- Tooele
- Tremonton
- Vernal (Uintah Basin)
- Wendover
**This degree is 100% available online. USU is a SARA-approved institution offering fully online programs nationwide; please visit USU's state authorizations for details.
The MFSQ is a fully online program. All courses are delivered in an asynchronous online format.
Admission
Admission Requirements
The MFSQ program of study has been tailored for students with undergraduate training in food science or related fields of study. It is recommended that applicants have some background in chemistry, statistics and microbiology. Prior coursework in food science or food safety is desirable. Applicants are encouraged to contact the MFSQ program coordinator prior to completing the University online application for graduate studies.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must meet the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, as seen on the School of Graduate Studies Catalog page. There is no entrance exam requirement for the MFSQ program, but applicants must meet these minimum requirements:
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Provide transcripts for all college/university credits.
- 3.0 or higher GPA for the last 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours.
- 3 professional letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other professional references. No personal references are accepted.
The School of Graduate Studies will hold the application until it is complete, and it will then be reviewed by the NDFS department. If applicants have not received notification within 3 weeks of completing the application, they should contact the NDFS department (1-435-797-2126) to inquire on the status of their application.
Deadlines
This program has rolling admission, meaning the department will continue to consider and accept applications until the program is full. The time it takes to process an application is primarily dependent on the speed with which the School of Graduate Studies receives letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores. For most students, this process may take six to eight weeks. Applicants should plan accordingly.
Program Requirements
The MFSQ program of study requires completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours. Students will work with their chosen MFSQ faculty advisor to prepare a program of study by the end of their first semester.
Students should select courses that complement their previous experience and career goals, and can include non-MFSQ courses with their faculty advisor’s approval. For example, students may choose courses that provide emphasis in microbial aspects of food safety and quality, or other various science aspects related to foods.
Plan Options
The MFSQ is a professional (Plan C) graduate degree designed to provide in-depth training in food science and food safety. This program is flexible to meet the needs of most students who desire to enhance their careers.
A departmentally approved program that includes a capstone project in Food Safety and/or Quality must be filed in the School of Graduate Studies. Capstone project proposals should be discussed with your advisor the semester before you register for capstone credit.
Take The Next Step
How to Apply
View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.
Request Information
Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.
Cost and Funding
Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.
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