Food Safety and Quality

About This Degree

The master of food microbiology and safety 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.

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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

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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

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Karin Allen

Associate Professor, Program Director
Email: karin.allen@usu.edu
Office: NFS 328A
Phone: (435) 797-1768

Tara Black

Assistant to the Department Head
Email: tara.black@usu.edu
Office: NFS 213
Phone: (435) 797-2102

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

USU ONLINE**

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

**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

A bachelor's degree is required for admission into the MFSQ program. A degree in food science or a closely related area is recommended, but at minimum students must have a good understanding of science and mathematics. In some situations prerequisite courses may be needed before students can enroll in MFSQ courses. These can be taken concurrently with graduate coursework and are determined on a case-to-case basis.

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE, GMAT or MAT
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

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.

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.