College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Institute of Agricultural Technology

The Food Processing, Technology and Safety certificate program trains students on the processes and technologies used to convert commodities into consumable food products.

The program combines online and in-person courses with applied learning experiences including a mobile food processing lab, industry clerkship and professional internship.

Areas of study include:

• Food processing and technology
• Facilities management
• Microbiology and chemistry
• Safety principles and regulations
• Applied food processing (cereals and grains, dairy foods, fruits and vegetables, muscle foods)

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be prepared to safely operate and maintain food processing equipment. They will perform safety checks and product analysis in order to ensure the highest standard of quality and consumer safety.

Following graduation, students receive an MSU IAT certificate and associate degree from the related community college preparing them for the job market. If at the MSU campus location, Lansing Community College provides an associate degree path.

If interested, students can also transfer into Michigan State University to earn a degree in food science or another related degree.

Some career paths include:

• Raw ingredient manufacturing
• Food technician
• Food safety manager
• Machinery and equipment maintenance
• Specialty food processing

Academics

The Food Processing, Technology and Safety certificate program is offered in East Lansing on the campus of Michigan State University and at several partner community colleges.

In addition to the certificate, students can also receive an associate degree at the partner community colleges, including Lansing Community College if part of the MSU campus program.

• Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Delta College, University Center
• Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek
• Muskegon Community College, Muskegon
• Wayne Community College District -- Downriver, Taylor

Program requirements:

• 60 credits (34 MSU credits and 26 community college credits)
• Agricultural technology clerkship
• Professional industry relevant internship

Learn more about the MSU requirements and courses in Food Processing, Technology and Safety certificate program.

Internships & Clerkships

IAT coordinators help students find and secure organizations to mentor them as part of their required certificate program internship. Not only does this provide immediate on-the-job experience, but internships also help with networking and industry connections.

The food processing clerkship is a class where students will visit various food processing facilities to learn about equipment and safety operations. Students enrolled in East Lansing and Lansing Community College may do their clerkship at Michigan State University campus facilities.

Program Coordinators

For more information or to schedule a campus visit, contact the program coordinator below for the IAT location of your choice.