Food Safety
This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://bulletin.ndsu.edu.
Program and Application Information
The program is currently undergoing reorganization into a Master of Public Health (MPH). Entry into the MPH program is anticipated for fall semester of 2019. Applications will not be accepted before February 2019. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available
Graduate School
Email: ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu
Phone: (701) 231-7033
Fax: (701) 231-6524
Master of Public Health Program Description
The Food Safety educational program at NDSU was founded in 2001 to help meet the increasing need for individuals with food safety expertise in government, business, and academia. NDSU graduate faculty who participate in the food safety programs are from multiple colleges, and cover several areas of expertise including microbiological sciences, communication, public health, food and nutrition, and plant sciences.
As our food system becomes more globalized and complex, it is increasingly important for public health professionals to engage consumers and members of the food industry including farmers, food processors, and food service workers. Monitoring and preventing the spread of foodborne disease, disseminating and enforcing key laws or regulations, and education the public on safe food handling practices are top priorities. These priorities can be achieved through utilization of innovative methods in the areas of molecular microbiology, biotechnology, science-based risk assessment and management, hygiene principles, food safety laws and regulations, and active surveillance programs. The NDSU MPH degree with a specialization in Food Safety will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become vital frontline members working to keep our population and food systems safe and secure.
Students have the flexibility to focus assignments and choose at least two electives based on their interests and professional goals. Topics of potential interest include: disease diagnosis and detection, prevention of disease spread in food systems, public health policy, and emergency responses to emerging food security threats. Application of these topics all build upon the food safety specialization curriculum and MPH foundational core course.
Students will take the required foundational Master of Public Health courses, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health Management and Policy, Environmental Health, Community Health Leadership, and Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health. In addition, students will be required to complete the Master of Public Health practicum and a master’s paper—each focused on Food Safety topics in Public Health. The 18-credit specialization curriculum is described below.