Catalogue-ready Program Description
Certificate of Food Safety:
According to the latest report from US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment for agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 5-7 percent from 2014 to 2024”, especially in the field of Food Safety. Food Safety Specialists are responsible for meeting food safety standards. They oversee that foods are processed, packaged, and prepared according to those specific standards. Typical employers include food production companies, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), local and state Health Departments, and other regulatory organizations. There is a shortage of professionally trained minority students in the area of Food Safety.
The AFE Nutritional Sciences and Food Systems Option at KSU's College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS) is well poised to offer a Certificate Degree Program in Food safety through its existing AFE Program. With increase by 20% over the last decade, the Organic Foods and Agriculture industry has gained a significance amongst both, the Organic producers and consumers. With various permissible fertilization and production approved under the National Organic Program, there are a considerable learning opportunities for potential growers, processors, and consumers (potential students) about the food safety aspects in Organic Production and Food Industry. A Certificate in Food Safety can be earned by completing 12 hrs of Food Safety courses with a grade of "C" or better. To enroll, students must first be admitted to the University on either a degree seeking or non-degree seeking basis. Work completed for the Certificate may later be applied toward the Bachelor of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (AFE) degree.
The Certificate in Food Safety will require a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work which includes the following classes:
Most of the courses are currently offered by the Nutrition Science stream of AFE program. Only classes in which students receive a "C" or better will count toward the Certificate. These classes can also count toward the AFE Nutritional Sciences and Food Systems Option for the B.S. in Agriculture, Food, and Environment (AFE) and/or the Nutrition Science minor should the student pursue a high degree.
The AFE Nutritional Sciences and Food Systems Option, within the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems, proposes to establish a Certificate degree program in Food Safety. This program will increase undergraduate involvement and retention. It will also greatly increase the number of domestic and international students taking classes.