Online Master of Science in Regulatory Science – Food Safety

In this Master of Science in regulatory science with a concentration in food safety, you’ll focus on the regulatory and compliance aspects of the food supply chain. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape and develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in food safety and regulation.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered.

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What is food safety and regulation?

Food safety focuses on the safe handling, distribution, selling and preparation of food. Depending on the position, professionals in the food safety industry may:

  • Assess food safety hazards.
  • Conduct site inspections.
  • Create food safety policies.
  • Develop preventative food safety procedures.

Regardless of the role, the central goals of food safety and regulation are to protect consumers’ safety, reduce health risks and ensure a wholesome food supply chain.

What will I learn in a food safety degree concentration?

 

This food safety degree concentration covers food protection concerns and regulations throughout the food supply chain from distribution to the retail market. Courses examine food safety regulations from local, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In this regulatory science degree, you’ll explore aspects of food safety, including inspection, hazard analysis, safe food practices and the handling of food emergencies. You’ll also learn how to identify food safety issues and gain an understanding of the ethical and legal challenges of food safety and regulation. 

This program is unique in that it aligns with the content on the Certified Professional – Food Safety certification exam from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). While the concentration doesn’t result in certification, the regulatory science degree program can help to prepare you to take the NEHA exam.

How is this degree different from a food safety master's?

 

A regulatory science degree focuses on the overall regulatory structure, authority and regulations of the FDA and provides the knowledge to develop new approaches and tools to assess the safety, quality, performance and efficacy of all FDA products.

While this program’s food safety concentration provides you with the opportunity to focus on food safety and protection, it’s not a food safety master’s. Once you’ve completed the core requirements focused on the regulations of medical products, you’ll take courses that feature a food safety curriculum.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet education requirements for license or certification in another state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, it is strongly recommended that you visit our professional licensure page for contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements.

Will my food safety degree concentration say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Your concentration in food safety will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.

Online food safety and regulatory science degree courses

Courses in the food safety degree concentration prepare you to identify and prevent food contamination through regulations and food safety best practices. This regulatory science degree incorporates a transdisciplinary approach, meaning you’ll also learn the fundamentals of clinical research and regulations of medical products. Courses include:


Core

Drug Discovery, Development and Regulations


Core

Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs


Core

Global Regulatory Affairs


Core

Legal Aspects of Clinical Research


Core

Quality Assurance and Clinical Research


Core

Responsible Conduct of Clinical Research


Concentration

Assessing Food Safety and Developing Policy Procedures and Training


Concentration

Food Safety and Protection


What can I do with an online food safety degree concentration?

Upon graduating from this food safety degree concentration program, you’ll be well suited for a variety of jobs in food safety and regulatory science. In particular, this degree helps to prepare you for local, state and federal regulatory careers in agencies such as the FDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county health departments and food manufacturers. Regulatory science and food safety careers may include, but aren’t limited to:

Area director

Environmental health and safety coordinator

Facility manager

Food inspector

Food-safe chemical supplier

Quality assurance manager

Quality control manager

Regulatory investigator

Learn from professionals in food and health

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned faculty members.

  • Countless national faculty nursing awards. 
  • Fulbright Senior Scholar. 
  • Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving. 
  • Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.
  • Industry leaders in pharmaceutical companies and on executive boards. 
  • Highly credential experts with doctoral degrees and professional certifications in regulatory affairs.

Learn from professionals in food and health

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned faculty members.

  • Countless national faculty nursing awards. 
  • Fulbright Senior Scholar. 
  • Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving. 
  • Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.
  • Industry leaders in pharmaceutical companies and on executive boards. 
  • Highly credential experts with doctoral degrees and professional certifications in regulatory affairs.

Admission requirements for the food safety degree concentration

Applicants to the online food safety master’s degree must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. 

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Enroll in an innovative health school

ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation provides a first-class education to students across a wide range of health disciplines. The college distinguishes itself through high-quality instructors and challenging courses and programs.

10+


undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs online.

250+


faculty members.

$13.2


million in research awards.

4,000+


students.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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