MS Food Safety

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.