The Master of Science in Food Regulatory Affairs is an online asynchronous program designed for early- to mid-career food industry professionals who need advanced, practical expertise in food law. It focuses on how food is regulated across major markets, how companies navigate compliance, and how scientific principles connect to regulatory decision-making. Courses are taught by attorneys and industry experts, and the flexible online structure allows students worldwide to complete the degree while balancing career and personal commitments.
The program requires 30 credits to complete. Students typically take one course per semester throughout the year while also working full-time. If courses are taken consistently throughout the year (including summer semester when possible), the program takes about 3.5 years to complete. MSU has a time limit of 5 years for the completion of a master’s degree.
Students complete 5 required courses, including a final applied project. They also select 5 elective courses from an approved list. Most courses are 3 credits each, making 10 courses to graduate.
The regulatory environment for food production and enforcement is constantly evolving. Responsibility for compliance rests with food companies—many of which lack the internal expertise to accurately interpret and implement complex regulations. This gap can result in costly or even dangerous mistakes.
Students gain in-depth knowledge of food laws and regulations—an essential asset for advancing your career in today’s highly regulated food sector. Our alumni become known as the “go to” person for matters related to food laws and regulations within their organizations.
Many Institute for Food Laws & Regulations graduates report earning a promotion or new position as a direct result of having taken our courses. According to the 2022 Institute for Food Technologists (IFT) Salary Survey, food scientists and food technologists who move into regulatory specialist positions make $25,750 more on average.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.
Applicants will be asked to upload the following documents to the MSU Admissions system:
*Note: We accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition scores, but we don’t accept TOEFL MyBest superscores. You can self-report your test scores when you apply. If you send official scores, ask the testing agency to send them directly to MSU using our TOEFL code: 1465
We review applications as they come in throughout the year.