Neal D. Fortin
Director, Institute for Food Law & Regulations
Neal Fortin is an attorney, the director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, and a professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. Previously, Professor Fortin worked for the Michigan Department of Agriculture where he was the primary drafter of the Michigan Food Law of 2000 and manager of the food service regulatory program. As a practicing attorney, Professor Fortin concentrated in food law representing food companies. He is a prolific author and speaker. His textbook, Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice, is available from Wiley & Sons. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
Program Overview
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.
Program Outcomes
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:
- Apply food science principles within a regulatory framework.
- Navigate compliance challenges in both U.S. and international food and beverage markets.
- Interpret and apply laws and regulations from agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and TTB—covering areas like labeling, claims, adulteration, misbranding, inspections, enforcement, and compliance.
- Understand how to optimize working relationships with government officials.
- Learn tools of the regulatory craft in controlling risks to the public, solving problems, and managing compliance.
- Understand global regulatory standards, including those set by the Codex Alimentarius, WHO, FAO, WTO, and related scientific and trade organizations.
Career Outlook
A Top-Ranked Education
- 63rd among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$978.25
$1,814.75
Cost of Attendance
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.