About the Certificate
The post-master's certificate in Food Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance enables Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (RAQA) specialists to receive formal recognition for studying food regulation and quality practices, which expands their regulatory knowledge. The certificate is also designed for individuals working in Philadelphia's large food industry so they can earn credentials in this highly important and rapidly expanding field. As the name "Food and Drug Administration" (FDA) implies, numerous parallels exist between the regulations and quality practices of drug and food products. Since the 1990s, employees from Philadelphia's food industry have been engaged in the RAQA graduate program, either taking individual courses or pursuing the MS degree. Then, in 2011, the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) encompassed some of the most sweeping reforms in food safety laws in more than 70 years, shifting the focus of food safety from responding to contamination to preventing it.
Through completion of the certificate, students become:
- knowledgeable and conversant in key regulatory practices that prepare them for supervisory and managerial positions in the food industry or better prepare them for positions in the pharmaceutical industry with food-related products;
- fluent in discussing the basics of food quality practices, including good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and preventive control and hazard/risk analysis;
- knowledgeable about the legal and regulatory requirements involved in a food company's processing activities;
- capable of identifying the key regulatory agencies—in addition to the FDA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)—involved in food quality assurance and regulation, being familiar with their roles, responsibilities, and missions; and
- fluent in knowing where to find the latest FDA regulatory changes in the food industry so they can respond quickly to new regulatory and quality trends and developments.
Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years
Campus Location: Online and Fort Washington
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The post-master's certificate may be completed on a part-time basis. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the School of Pharmacy's program coordinator for more information.
Job Prospects: Those completing the certificate gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them to address the laws and regulations set forth in FSMA. Graduates are at an advantage when pursuing an FDA career in food inspection or employment with food manufacturers. They are also prepared to work with the medical foods of the RAQA industry, such as baby formula, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and vitamins.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: The certificate program may be completed on a non-matriculated basis.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall and Spring admissions are on a rolling basis. Interested students should contact the School of Pharmacy for permission to enroll in coursework.
APPLY HERE to the post-master's certificate program.
Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants must hold a master's degree in a Pharmacy-related field.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants must hold a BS degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or a health-related discipline.
Certificate Requirements
Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 91
Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| QARA 5595 | Food Law | 3 |
| QARA 5596 | Food Labeling and Regulatory Affairs | 3 |
| QARA 5597 | Food Good Manufacturing Processes | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | |
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Upon completion of the certificate, students who choose to pursue additional study in food issues are recommended to take QARA 5594 Regulation of Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods (3 s.h.).
GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum
Contacts
Certificate Program Web Address:
Department Information:
Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance Graduate Program
425 Commerce Drive, Suite 175
Fort Washington, PA 19034-2728
267-468-8560
Mailing Address for Application Materials:
Temple University
Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance Graduate Program
425 Commerce Drive, Suite 175
Fort Washington, PA 19034-2728