Who takes our courses?

Most of our students are food sector professionals. They work full time while taking one course at a time through our online program. 

  • About 65% work for industry and private organizations (this includes food companies, attorneys, consultants, co-ops, trade associations).
  • About 20% work for government bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministries of Agriculture (of these governmental bodies, about 60% of students are from the U.S. and 40% from outside the U.S.).
  • About 15% are full time students (most are from Michigan State University but students also enroll from elsewhere).

Some of the positions our students hold:

  • Agricultural Officer
  • Assistant General Counsel
  • Associate Professor
  • Attorney at Law
  • Chef
  • Citrus Farm Owner
  • Director, Corporate Compliance
  • Director, Global Regulatory Affairs
  • Director, Marketing, Advertising and Regulatory Law
  • Director, Quality and Regulatory Affairs
  • Food Risk Analyst
  • Food Safety Specialist
  • Food Technologist
  • General Counsel
  • Inspection Officer
  • Labeling Specialist
  • Manager, Regulatory Compliance
  • Plant Protection & Quarantine Officer
  • Principal Product Development Scientist
  • Quality and Lab Technician
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • R&D Technical Services Manager
  • Regulatory Compliance Analyst/Specialist
  • Research Associate
  • Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager
  • Senior Formulator, International R&D
  • Senior Patent Attorney
  • Senior Policy Advisor, Food Safety and Environment
  • Senior Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • VP, Quality Assurance & Technical Services
  • VP, Risk Mitigation & Crisis Management
  • VP, Technical Services

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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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