Professional Master of Science in Food Safety Degree Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact to find out more about the Online Master of Science in Food Safety Program?

Please Contact:

Peggy Trommater, Adm Asst
Online Master of Science in Food Safety Program
Michigan State University
B51 Food Safety Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1302

Phone: (517) 884-2080
Fax: (517) 432-2310

info@online.foodsafety.msu.edu

What are the benefits of receiving the graduate degree?

Complete your master of science degree as your personal and professional needs dictate.
Get the technical edge on food safety issues from a wide array of disciplines.
Enjoy the freedom to proceed at your own pace.
Some finish in two years while others take as long as five years to complete - it's your choice.
Expose yourself to the best scientists available from the University, government and industry - from production agriculture to human health.
Develop a transdisciplinary approach to food safety responsibilities; a mind set where various disciplinary information is used to address and solve societal problems.

How long would it take to complete the program?

Our students have up to five years to complete the program. However, a student could complete the 30-credit hour program within two years, depending upon employment commitments, number of credit hours per semester and whether courses are taken during the summer.

What is the cost of the online MS in Food Safety Program?

Six consecutive days VM 810 on-campus course*	$5,970
Based on $526/credit hour, the remaining 27 credits	$14,202
MSU Student Taxes (approximate)**	$150

Estimated Total	$20,322

*VM 810 fees are based on a Summer 2009 start date - this fee is subject to change
**Miscellaneous student fees approximately $25 per semester

Is the program accredited?

Yes, all programs through Michigan State University have been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

What are the deadlines for application?

Applications are accepted year around. We recommend applying to the program a full semester before you wish to start classes. Completed applications (including transcripts and additional materials) must be submitted no later than the following deadlines. (For international applicants, additional processing time may be required.) For further information, contact Peggy Trommater at info@online.foodsafety.msu.edu, or call (517) 884-2080.

Current deadlines are as follows:

Spring Semester 2010: November 11, 2009
Summer Semester 2010: March 17, 2010
Fall Semester 2010: July 1, 2010
Spring Semester 2011: November 10, 2010

Who can apply to the Master of Science in Food Safety program?

Professionals working in food-related industries or government agencies are encouraged to apply. Multiple federal agencies, along with state and local governments, are responsible for food safety in the United States. Industry advisers have indicated a need for more broadly educated employees to fulfill such a demand.

List of current students' employers

What are the requirements for Admission to the Online Master of Science in Food Safety program?

The applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree, professional degree, or equivalent degree from an accredited and recognized college or university.
The applicant must have completed at least six credits of college-level biological sciences, three of which are in microbiology. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system, submit a professional letter of intent, and two letters of recommendation (three for international applicants).
Applicants must also have proven or demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.
Experience in the workplace with food safety as a component is heavily weighed in meeting requirements for admissions.

Applicants not possessing all of the requirements may be admitted to the program provisionally and permitted to make up deficiencies based upon review and approval of the program director and program curriculum committee.

Please Note: This program does not require test scores for the GRE or GMAT.

What are the minimum computer requirements for taking courses associated with the program?

An Intel-based Pentium II 233 MHz PC; 64 MB or more of RAM (128MB recommended); Netscape 4.5 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or higher; and Windows NT, 95, 98, ME, XP or 2000 operating system.

OR

A Macintosh G3 233 MHz, with System 8.5 or higher (System 9.1 or OS X recommended); 64 MB or more of RAM (128 MB recommended); and Netscape 4.06 or higher, or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.

How are Courses delivered online?

Courses are delivered by the ANGEL course management system. The MSU Library and Academic Calendar are also available here. Visit the ANGEL site at https://angel.msu.edu/.

A demo course is available for your review from the ANGEL Help website at http://help.angel.msu.edu/students.

Are MSU Library Services provided to students?

Students taking courses online may also use the resources of the Michigan State University Libraries.
Phone Toll-Free: 1-800-500-1554; http://www2.lib.msu.edu/graduate/index.jsp

How many hours per week should http://www2.lib.msu.edu/graduate/index.jspI plan for each course taken?

Plan a minimum of six to nine hours per week in a three credit course.

Financial Aid

The Online Master of Science in Food Safety Program does not currently offer scholarship funding. For questions on financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Financial Aid directly. You should begin your search with the Financial Aid for Graduate Student website at http://finaid.msu.edu/grad.asp.

Other Resources:

http://grad.msu.edu/funding.htm

https://scholendow.ais.msu.edu/student/ScholSearch.asp. The "Major or Specialization" is "Food Safety 4914."

Click here for a PDF version of our most recent BROCHURE.