Advancing the science of creating tools, standards, and practices to improve the protection and compliance of food systems.
Increased regulation of food and feed products, the globalization of the economy and advances in technology contribute to a growing need for education in the emerging field of regulatory science. To meet this need, the Departments of Soil & Crop Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Veterinary Pathobiology, and Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology at Texas A&M University have partnered to offer an online Regulatory Science in Food Systems Graduate Certificate that prepares professionals to meet the challenges of the 21st century food and feed supply chain.
Students who complete our Regulatory Science in Food Systems courses will have the knowledge and skills to interpret U.S. and international regulatory guidelines and standards, assess the impact of existing and emerging regulations on business operations, establish practical strategies for compliance and reporting, lead regulatory reviews, and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Overview We invite you to apply to the program and look forward to helping you meet your academic and professional goals! ~ Tim Herrman
Journal of Regulatory Science (JRS)
The Journal of Regulatory Science (JRS) publishes the free of charge, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, review articles, policy commentaries and rapid communications to advance the discipline of regulatory science.
Online Courses
To meet the needs of working professionals, our Regulatory Science in Food Systems courses are delivered entirely at a distance! Courses address risk management tools, standards and practices to improve the protection and compliance of regulated products in the feed and food industry. Students who complete all the regulatory science courses will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Apply a science-based approach to risk management and be part of a risk management team;
- Interpret and implement laws, regulations, and standards that govern the development, manufacturing, and distribution of food and drugs;
- Understand the role of international standards in facilitating free and fair trade;
- Assess the significance and impact of existing and emerging regulations and standards on business operations;
- Establish practical strategies for compliance and reporting;
- Develop and implement laboratory quality systems;
- Communicate the benefits of regulatory decision-making and compliance to management and consumers; and
- Apply essential knowledge and skills to help companies navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Students complete any four of the five courses listed below to earn 12 Student Credit Hours (SCH) for the Regulatory Science in Food Systems Graduate Certificate. Each course is offered for academic credit on a rotating schedule throughout the academic year. Course descriptions can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
| Proposed Regulatory Science in Food Systems Online Course Offerings | |
|---|---|
| Fall (August – December) | Spring (January – May) |
| SCSC 634 Regulatory Science: Principles & Practices in Food Systems (3 SCH) | SCSC 636 Regulatory Science Methodology in Food Systems (3 SCH) |
| SCSC 635 / AGEC 639 Comparative Global Standards in Food Systems (3 SCH) | AGEC 638 Managerial Economics for Regulatory Science (3 SCH) |
| SCSC 629 Laboratory Quality Systems (3 SCH) | |
Course Delivery
All courses are delivered entirely at a distance through Texas A&M University’s secure learning management system. Students complete weekly assigned readings, listen to audio-over-PowerPoint presentations, participate through discussion boards, email and conference calls, develop individual and group assignments, and submit quizzes and exams.
To ensure successful participation in these courses, students must have access to:
- A computer that is less than 4 years old;
- High-speed Internet connection (cable/DSL or better) & updated browser;
- Office software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint & Excel or equivalent;
- Common plug-ins (e.g., Adobe Reader, Flash Player, virus protection, etc.);
- Microphone and speakers; and
- CD/DVD player/burner.
Apply to the Program
Students seeking graduate credit must be admitted to Texas A&M University prior to registering for courses.
CURRENT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:
If you are currently enrolled as a Texas A&M University graduate student or an undergraduate student of senior level status (with 3.0 GPA and higher), you may enroll in Regulatory Science courses at any time. Speak with your departmental advisor if you have questions about including these courses in your degree plan.
NEW TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: If you are not currently admitted to Texas A&M University but you would like to register for Regulatory Science in Food Systems courses for graduate credit, please review the application requirements for non-degree seeking graduate or international graduate students, and complete the application found at https://texasam2022.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
Graduate admission at Texas A&M University is based upon the entire record of the applicant and availability of departmental resources. At a minimum, the university requires that each applicant hold a four-year baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university of recognized standing. The GRE or GMAT is not required for non-degree seeking graduate admission at Texas A&M University. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to submit proof of English proficiency (see Admission in the Graduate Catalog). Apply early to allow adequate time for the arrival of test scores and transcripts to the Texas A & M Office of Admissions and avoid late registration fees.
PROGRAM COSTS:
Cost for courses varies depending on your residency status and course-specific fees. For current information and questions about cost of attendance, please contact Student Business Services or use the or use the Texas A & M Tuition Calendar.
Please note that Texas A&M distance students qualify for much of the same financial aid as on-campus students. Visit Scholarships & Financial Aid for information on financial aid opportunities. A GI Bill or other military education benefits may also be used to pay for distance education at Texas A&M. Visit the Veteran Services Office site for more information and required forms. Funding is also available for eligible regulatory risk managers who are employed by a local, state, federal or national government agency.
Contact Us
Program Coordinator: Prabha Vasudevan, (979) 845-1121, [email protected]
Admissions & Registration: Casey Flint, (979)845-7616, [email protected]
Program Director: Dr. Tim Herrman, (979) 845-1121, [email protected]