Food Safety

The food safety minor, major, graduate and graduate certificate programs are interdisciplinary courses of study. They are oriented toward the single issue of food safety, an area of concern around the world; the current target of tremendous interest, effort and spending nationwide; and an area in which shortages of expertise are already manifest. These programs present students from a variety of backgrounds with an opportunity to augment their education and careers with a novel, integrated food safety curriculum designed to provide them with the necessary knowledge and requisite problem-solving skills to thrive in tomorrow's food-related workplace. The undergraduate and the graduate programs are offered through the Great Plains Institute of Food Safety.

The Program

Foodborne illness exacts a high tariff on the public's peace of mind, health and pocketbook. Uneasiness with our food supply has resulted in a national food safety initiative which affects every aspect of the food chain, from farm to fork. However, the promise of this initiative cannot be realized without individuals with expertise in food safety able to troubleshoot safety issues as they arise. The lack of individuals with food safety expertise is becoming increasingly evident in government, business and academia. This void is widespread and exists in many professions, including veterinary medicine, public information services, food retailing/service, education, agricultural production and healthcare. North Dakota State University's food safety program helps its students gain the necessary knowledge and requisite problem-solving and collaborative skills to thrive in tomorrow's food-related workplace.

The Curriculum

The food safety educational programs have at their core nine credits of courses in food safety which are only offered through distance delivery. For the minor, an additional five credit hours must come from approved electives. Students interested in post-graduate studies in food safety are encouraged to contact the director.  Fellowships are available for graduate education.

Career Opportunities

The Great Plains Institute of Food Safety claims one of the most comprehensive food safety educational programs in the country. Students completing this program will have a unique and highly desirable credential, which will likely provide them a competitive edge in the marketplace. Careers can be found in local, state and federal agencies, healthcare, academia and industry. Additionally, graduates of these programs will find that their knowledge of food safety complements many professions, such as those of veterinary and human medicine. Graduates of this program have reported job offers with the Food and Drug Administration and businesses, both locally and nationally.

The Program Organization

The Director of Great Plains Institute of Food Safety administers the food safety academic program. The Great Plains Institute of Food Safety consists of faculty participants from the colleges of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Engineering and Architecture; Human Development and Education; and Science and Mathematics.

Contact Information

Charlene Wolf-Hall, Ph.D.

Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences

North Dakota State University
Van Es 114A
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-6387
Fax: (701) 231-5171
E-mail: Charlene.Hall@ndsu.edu
Web:  www.ndsu.edu/foodsafety/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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