Online MS Programs in Food Safety - Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance
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“Food safety is more than microbiology. Success in this field requires a strong grasp of food systems’ legal, political, economic, historical, and social dimensions.”
Darin Detwiler, PhD, Associate Teaching Professor, Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies
We’ve all enjoyed a can of Coca-Cola, a pack of chips, and a chocolate bar, but have you ever wondered about the complex processes that ensure the safety of these food items we consume? Food safety and regulation employs an army of professionals who rigorously check the quality of beverages and other processed foods and ensure they meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies.
Students who wish to pursue a career in food safety can opt for a master of science (MS) program in food safety regulation. On the other hand, those who wish to work behind the scenes in the healthcare industry as regulatory affairs professionals can opt for an MS in regulatory affairs.
A number of these are also offered online, providing flexibility. Often, these programs are developed in collaboration with governmental agencies and organizations such as the National Institutes for Health (NIH) or FDA. Students interested in food safety examine the relevant regulation submissions and statutes, while those opting for regulatory affairs get instruction in the healthcare enterprise, global regulatory affairs, regulatory compliance, and biostatistics for clinical research.
Depending on their chosen degree, students are prepared to develop food safety regulatory plans, understand regulatory agencies’ roles, and participate in clinical trials. Food safety professionals can work in the food industry or as part of the healthcare industry in roles such as regulatory affairs specialist, controls manager, and quality assurance manager.
The following guide discusses ten online master’s programs in food safety and regulatory affairs.
Meet the Expert: Darin Detwiler, PhD
Dr. Darin Detwiler is an associate teaching professor at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, where he has been teaching since 2014. He previously served as an assistant dean.
Dr. Detwiler has held leadership roles such as co-chair of Faculty Senate Subcommittees and faculty advisor for TEDxNU 2023-2024. He has been recognized at the Northeastern University Academic Honors Convocation in 2022 and 2023 and received the CPS Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016. He also was a featured speaker at TEDx NortheasternU 2020 and participated in the Teaching Inquiry Fellows Program in 2023.
Dr. Detwiler teaches doctoral and graduate courses focusing on regulatory affairs, global economics of food and agriculture, sustainable development, global corporate social responsibility, and social impact. He brings extensive experience from his previous roles in academic leadership and teaching at Bellevue College and public schools in Washington State.
He is a renowned food safety advisor and author with over 30 years of experience controlling foodborne illness. Recognized by QA Magazine as one of “21 People Who Have Shaped the Last 30 Years of Food Safety,” he has received prestigious awards, including the International Association for Food Protection’s Ewen C.D. Todd Control of Foodborne Illness Award. He has played pivotal roles in USDA and FDA initiatives, served on numerous advisory boards, and contributed extensively to food safety literature and media. A sought-after speaker, he has addressed global audiences and is featured in the documentary “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food.” A Navy veteran, he holds a doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University, focusing on food regulatory capacity. His dedication and expertise have earned him the title of “an American Food Safety Icon.”
MHAOnline.com: What should the public understand about online master’s degrees in food safety – regulatory affairs and quality assurance programs?
Dr. Detwiler: Online master’s programs offer a level of flexibility that’s ideal for professionals already working in food safety or quality assurance. This setup allows them to learn from anywhere, often while keeping their jobs, which means they’re applying real-time knowledge to real-world situations. It’s a win-win in terms of career development and accessibility.
These programs cover much more than the technical side of food safety. Students learn the science behind foodborne pathogens, as well as the complex legal, political, economic, and ethical factors that drive food policies and practices. In a globalized industry, professionals need to understand the regulations and standards of different countries and navigate those complexities with skill.
Graduates emerge prepared to tackle current industry challenges, from preventing foodborne illnesses to ensuring compliance with regulations. Today’s issues—like the recent McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, recalls on Abbott baby formula, and the many concerns around leafy greens—illustrate the serious need for professionals trained in both regulatory knowledge and crisis management.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would I give aspiring online master’s degrees in food safety – regulatory affairs and quality assurance students?
Dr. Detwiler: Adopt a multi-disciplinary perspective. Food safety is more than microbiology. Success in this field requires a strong grasp of food systems’ legal, political, economic, historical, and social dimensions. For example, understanding past events—like how the Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak shaped food laws and food safety culture—helps to appreciate both the need for and impact of regulatory policies.
Many students pursue these degrees to advance their careers but transitioning from a worker or supervisor to a director or executive role requires new skills. Leadership in food safety involves big-picture thinking, effective communication, and the ability to instill a culture of safety in teams. It’s crucial to learn to anticipate and respond proactively to issues, especially in an industry where consumer trust is key.
As food supply chains grow internationally, regulatory compliance gets more complicated and requires a global and strategic mindset. For anyone looking to work with import/export, it’s essential to stay updated on international regulations and standards. Companies like Boar’s Head, Chipotle, and McDonald’s must comply with varying regulations across countries to maintain safety and trust, and employees who understand these nuances are valuable assets.
Additional thoughts from Dr. Detwiler:
The food industry is facing unprecedented challenges—from foodborne illness outbreaks to increasingly complex regulations—and non-compliance costs are higher than ever. Companies that fail to meet safety standards face shutdowns, damaged reputations, financial penalties, and, in severe cases, face accountability for harming and killing consumers. These consequences underscore the importance of well-trained professionals who can navigate this rigorous regulatory landscape and implement proactive food safety measures.
Consumer behavior is also evolving rapidly. People are more conscious of what they eat and how and where it’s produced. The “how” of purchasing has shifted, too, with online shopping and home delivery increasing demand for transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. Consumers now expect greater visibility into food origins, production methods, and safety protocols.
Moreover, today’s consumers have become active stakeholders in the broader food safety conversation. With platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and IwasPoisoned.com, they act as allies, advocates, and even activists for change in food safety practices. Social media has amplified their voice, enabling them to call out unsafe practices, demand recalls, and hold companies accountable.
A notable example of this trend is the Emmy-winning 2023 Netflix documentary “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food,” which brought food safety to mainstream audiences, sparking widespread conversation and awareness. Documentaries like this illustrate that food safety is no longer a niche concern—it’s a public demand.
In this environment, food safety and regulatory affairs professionals with a solid grounding in both technical knowledge and public engagement are crucial. Educated professionals in this field help protect public health, reinforce consumer trust, and elevate industry standards, making the role of online master’s programs in food safety all the more essential.
Featured MS in Food Safety – Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master of science (MS) in food safety regulations and an online MS in regulatory science. The former program helps students understand the labeling, distribution, and food production processes, while the latter focuses on the development of clinical drugs and other biologics.
Admission requirements for the programs include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university in the life sciences or in engineering, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, one semester of biochemistry and one of organic chemistry at the undergraduate or graduate level, a completed online application, a statement of purpose, a current resume, official transcripts, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for students whose native language is not English. Students who do not have the required science prerequisites (but meet all other requirements) may be admitted provisionally.
The MS program in food safety, comprising ten courses, helps students gain practical experience with food safety through assignments and case studies. Some courses include an introduction to food safety regulation, food microbiology, the regulation of good food production practices, food toxicology, food labeling and packaging regulations, and risk assessment and management.
Students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to design and implement food safety regulatory submissions. At the end of the program, they can analyze the regulations and statutes governing food safety. Food safety regulatory professionals generally work with government agencies, conducting inspections and promoting compliance with food safety regulations.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
Arizona State University offers an online master of science program in regulatory science with a concentration in food safety. Focusing on the compliance and regulatory aspects of the food supply chain, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed for food safety and regulation careers.
Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree, a completed online graduate application, official transcripts, a personal statement, two professional letters of recommendation, and an up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
The 33-credit program includes courses on drug discovery, development, and regulations, fundamentals of regulatory affairs, global regulatory affairs, legal aspects of clinical research, quality assurance and clinical research, responsible conduct of clinical research, food safety and protection, and quality assurance and safety in food and dietary supplements.
Graduates can take up roles such as food-safe chemical suppliers, environmental health and safety coordinators, food inspectors, quality assurance managers, regulatory investigators, and quality control managers.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) in regulatory affairs program. This program is entirely online and does not require campus residencies. It is suitable for healthcare professionals looking to enter regulatory affairs and lead product development.
Admission requirements for the program are as follows: a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, previous work experience, a statement of purpose, a completed online application, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, and TOEFL, or PTE, or IELTS test scores for international students.
The program consists of 36 credits on healthcare leadership, issues and trends in health systems, the healthcare enterprise, biostatistics for clinical and translational research, epidemiology for translational research, an introduction to global regulatory affairs, and clinical research for regulatory affairs.
Students learn how to analyze public health data and clinical trials, manage the regulatory aspects of product development, and ensure that a firm’s business needs are being met. In addition, they become adept at gauging new products’ scientific and economic value.
Upon completing the program, graduates can take up roles such as regulatory affairs specialists, medical affairs associates, technical engineers, regulatory affairs managers, and quality assurance engineers.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Northeastern University offers an online master of science (MS) in regulatory affairs of food and food industries. This is a fully online program, providing maximum flexibility for working professionals. By focusing on one of five unique concentrations, students in this program will have the opportunity to meet their career goals and gain deeper experience in key regulatory affairs areas. Concentration areas include quality assurance and compliance, nonclinical biomedical product regulation, medical device regulatory affairs, clinical research regulatory affairs, and biopharmaceutical regulatory affairs.
To get accepted, applicants must have an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S., a statement of purpose, a professional resume, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and English language proficiency scores (for international students). Two or three years of work experience in the field can be substituted if applicants hold a degree in an area other than pharmacy or life sciences.
The 45-credit program is a blend of theoretical and practical training. Courses include an introduction to regulatory compliance and practice, pharmaceutical and medical device law, legal issues in international food, drug, and medical device regulation, an introduction to safety sciences, emerging trends and issues in the medical device industry, advanced topics in advertising and promotion of drugs and medical devices, and global economics of food and agriculture, among others.
The program provides students with a good understanding of the basics of food production, the tools to handle regulatory projects in companies of all sizes, and a grasp of US and international food regulations. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in the food and regulatory industry.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 18 months
The University of Arkansas offers an online master of science (MS) program in food safety. The program gives students a strong understanding of risk assessment, food safety, and quality assurance.
The program’s admission requirements include a completed online admission application, a strong background in science, official transcripts with degree confirmation, a current resume, a statement of purpose, and an undergraduate grade point average of 2.8. GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required. Currently, the program does not accept international students outside the United States.
The program consists of 30 credits and helps students develop problem-solving skills and knowledge in toxicology, food microbiology, and epidemiology. Some of the topics in the curriculum include statistics in education and health professions, the principles of food microbiology, food biosecurity, foodborne diseases, safety and sanitation for the food industry, food toxicology and contaminants, and food safety law.
The coursework teaches students about the major pathogens associated with foodborne diseases, the fundamentals of food microbiology, and the basic concepts of food toxicology. They also become aware of food laws and policies, the history of food regulation, and the organization of federal food laws and regulatory agencies. The program prepares students to take up executive-level roles in food-related companies worldwide.
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
Michigan State University offers an online master of science (MS) in food safety degree. This is a fully online program for mid-career working professionals. The program helps students understand dynamic food safety laws, food protection, and public health concerns.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree, professional degree, or an equivalent degree from an accredited university, at least six credits of college-level biological sciences (three of which should be in microbiology), a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, work experience in a food-related field, a professional letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, an original transcript from each institution attended, and proof of English proficiency (for ESL students). This program does not require GRE scores.
The 30-credit program addresses several issues related to food safety and regulation. A few courses include the ecology of foodborne pathogens, food safety toxicology, foodborne disease epidemiology, international food laws and regulations, an introduction to food safety and professional development, and food safety research methods.
Students learn how to examine foodborne pathogens, understand the properties of toxic substances in food, and investigate the disease outbreak. They also learn how to apply basic research methods. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in leadership roles in food regulation.
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 to 60 months
The Illinois Institute of Technology offers an online master of science in food safety and technology. Courses in this program are offered at the Mies Campus or online except the “Food Microbiology Laboratory” course. The faculty for the program includes professionals from the FDA, industry scientists, and professors from the renowned Illinois Tech.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, food science, agricultural, chemical, food, or environmental engineering, or a related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. They must also submit TOEFL scores (for international students) and GRE scores (which can be waived), among other documentation.
The curriculum consists of 32 credits. Some courses include food microbiology, food analysis, food process engineering, food packaging principles, the fundamentals of food science, and food product development.
The program emphasizes sanitation, microbiology, food safety, food engineering, and the analysis of food toxins. They also learn about common food-related operations such as sterilization, freezing, drying, and radiation.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in food manufacturing operations, research and development, food safety, compliance, and regulatory affairs. They can also take up positions with federal, state, or local health and agri-food agencies.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
Utah State University offers an online master’s degree in food safety and quality, preparing students to pursue careers in food quality assurance or other food safety-related positions. Graduates can become food scientists, inspectors, safety specialists, and more. In addition to providing students with in-depth training in food safety assurance, this fully online program also helps students understand food microbiology.
Applicants to the program must have undergraduate training in food science or majors related to food safety, and it is preferable for candidates to have some background in statistics, microbiology, and chemistry. Prior coursework in food safety or food science is desirable. Additional requirements include GRE scores, three recommendation letters, a GPA of 3.0, and English proficiency for international students.
This 33-credit program includes courses such as food microbiology, principles of food sanitation, principles, food toxicology, food laws and regulations, food safety management, preventive controls, and food safety inspection and auditing.
- Location: Logan, UT
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
The University of Southern California offers an online master of science program in regulatory science ideal for busy working professionals. Mixing intensive weekend classroom experiences with remote units, this program covers the latest domestic and global regulation trends.
Consisting of 36 credits, the program includes an internship. The curriculum includes classes in regulating food and dietary supplements, quality assurance for drugs and biologics, regulation of medical devices & diagnostics, quality systems & standards, and the management and structure of clinical trials.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission to the program. Application requirements include a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Proof of English language proficiency is required of students who earned their bachelor’s degree from a non-English speaking country.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
Temple University’s online master of science program in regulatory affairs and quality assurance is one of the oldest programs focusing on health regulations and quality assurance. The program’s faculty includes industry professionals and experts who have FDA experience. In addition to the MS degree, Temple University also offers several certificate programs, most of which can be completed online.
The MS program comprises 36 credits and includes courses in drug development, ethical practices, quality auditing, and food and drug law. Students can take electives in pharmacoeconomics, statistical quality control, process validation, high-purity water systems, production of sterile products, design controls for medical devices and combination products, environmental law and regulation, regulatory intelligence, and more.
GRE test scores are not required for admission. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, preferably in a science or engineering field. Those applying without a science background may be required to take three prerequisite courses before applying.
- Location: Fort Washington, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
