MS in Food Safety Online at University of Arkansas

The Master of Science in Food Safety at the University of Arkansas is a 100% online program designed for working professionals and graduate students seeking advanced expertise in food protection, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Its interdisciplinary structure allows students to engage with faculty experts in food safety and provides a wellrounded academic experience grounded in practical, realworld applications. Graduates of the program have successfully advanced into managerial and executive roles in food safety across global and regional food industries.

The program is delivered online and requires 30 credit hours. Students normally take one to two courses per semester and may complete the program in two-and-a-half to three years. Application deadlines are March 15 for summer term, June 1 for fall semester and Nov. 1 for spring semester. All courses are taught by the same University of Arkansas faculty who teach on campus and have ongoing relationships with many food manufacturers and retailers.

Coursework includes classes that explore food microbiology, biosecurity, foodborne diseases, sanitation practices, toxicology, food law, hazard assessments and statistical process control. These courses offer a comprehensive view of challenges and solutions within the food safety landscape, from microbial contamination and intentional adulteration to regulatory frameworks and industry standards.

In addition, students complete one graduatelevel statistics course to strengthen the ability to analyze data and apply statistical reasoning to food safety decisionmaking.

Students gain experience through lectures, case studies, readings and projects that mirror the demands of food safety roles. One of the final courses is a non-thesis applied food safety project that is of practical value in the student’s food safety area of interest. Food safety competency is demonstrated by developing the project, writing the report and presenting a summary.

Food safety professionals who complete the MS in Food Safety expand their scientific knowledge, regulatory understanding and analytical skills needed to manage comprehensive programs to protect the integrity of products produced in today’s complex food manufacturing and supply chain systems.

Program inquiries may be addressed to aflsgrad@uark.edu and/or program leaders Dr. Kristen Gibson (keg005@uark.edu) or Dr. Bill Potter (bdpotter@uark.edu).

For more information, visit online.uark.edu/programs/master-science-food-safety.php.