Global Campus


Master of Science in Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences

FOOD SAFETY

- ONLINE -

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences
Food Safety

The program is offered by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences and is administered by the School of Continuing Education & Academic Outreach. The degree is a 30-hour, web-based, non-thesis Master of Science degree in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

The degree is designed to prepare practitioners of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to address complex, environmental, social, community, and biologically based problems in agricultural industries, education, and agencies. The degree program allows the student to select an emphasis area.

Program Requirements

  1. 30 hours of graduate level work including the following:
    • a minimum of 15 hours from within the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences
    • 9 hours in a defined emphasis area of study
    • a 3-hour special problem for which a technical paper will be developed or an approved 6-hour thesis project in one of the academic departments 
  2. The successful completion of an oral or written examination upon fulfillment of degree requirements.
  3. A cumulative grade point average of 2.85 or higher.
  4. The completion of an exit interview.

The student in consultation with the Program Coordinator will, with approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, select a major advisor. The major advisor, in consultation with the student, will recommend at least two additional faculty members, including one from outside the major interest department, to serve as the student's graduate committee. The student's graduate committee will outline the total program.

Program Costs

  1. A $40.00 non-refundable application fee, payable upon application for admission to the graduate school.
  2. Graduation Fee: $30.00, payable near the end of the program.
  3. Special rate of $1,500 per course.

Students enrolling in on-campus sections or off-campus sections not directly associated with the program may be charged additional tuition and fees according to University of Arkansas policies.

Schedule of Courses

Year Semester Catalog Number Name Instructor
Year 1 Spring POSC 5113 Food Toxicology Donoghue
  Summer CHLP 4633 Human Diseases C. Jones
  Fall AGED 5713 Food Law Fortin
Year 2 Spring EDFD 5393 Statistics in Education Denny
  Summer FDSC 5503 Food Industry Sanitation Seideman
  Fall POSC 4033 Statistical Process Control Marcy
Year 3 Spring FDSC 4823 Principles of Food Microbiology Seideman
  Summer HLSC 4613 Principles of Epidemiology C. Jones
  Fall FDSC 5223 Biosecurity of the Food Industry Seideman
Year 4     Special Project  

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change

FAQs

  • How do I get started?
    For a checklist, click HERE.
  • Are textbooks included in the registration fee?
    No. You may order through the University of Arkansas Bookstore or a vendor of your choice.
  • When is payment expected?
    Payment is expected during the first week of classes.
  • How much time do I have to complete the course?
    Classes will begin and end according to the University of Arkansas Calendar.
  • Can I transfer hours into the program?
    Yes. University of Arkansas policy allows six hours to be transferred into a degree program if approved by your advisor.
  • What if I have a GPA lower than a 3.0?
    If your GPA is below 3.0, then you must have had a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work or have a 50% or higher standardized test score (Graduate Record Examinations general test, the Miller Analogies Test, or a similar test acceptable to the Graduate Dean) to be eligible for admission. These exams may be taken at any 4-year higher education institution. Testing dates may vary at each institution. Those interested in taking a test at the University of Arkansas, please click HERE.
  • Can I pay for my classes in installments?
    Contact the University of Arkansas Treasurer's Office for details.
  • Can you invoice my employer?
    Yes. However, individual employer's policies and procedures may differ. Please contact your employer for details.
  • Where can I get a copy of my bill?
    Students may secure a copy of their bill from the Student Information System (ISIS).
  • Am I eligible to receive financial aid?   Who do I contact?
    Contact the UofA Financial Aid office for details.  Visit their website at http://www.uark.edu/admin/fininfo/index.html or call 479.575.3806 for more information.
  • How do I get a copy of my transcript?
    Transcripts are available from the Registrar's Office at a cost of $5.00 per transcript.
  • Can I access the University of Arkansas library online?
    Yes. Access is provided to students once enrolled in the courses.

Contacts

Program Information

Dr. Diana Bisbee
Program Coordinator
AFLS E. 108
1120 W. Maple Street
Email:  dbisbee@uark.edu
Phone: 479.575.2025


Registration Information

E-mail: offcamp@uark.edu
Phone: 479.575.6486 - or - (toll free) 877.633.2267

Technical Support for Enrolled Students

Bobby Craig
ID&SS Coordinator
Global Campus
E-mail: rcraig@uark.edu
Phone: 479.575.4481

Admissions

Anyone who wishes to earn graduate-level credit, whether as a degree-seeking student or as a non-degree student, must be officially admitted by the Graduate School. Applications for admission to the Graduate School must be accompanied by a $40 application fee, which is non-refundable and will not apply against the general registration fee if the applicant enrolls.

A printable application form may be obtained here.

Applications may be delivered or mailed to:

Graduate and International Admissions Office
346 N Arkansas Avenue #50
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701

For questions regarding application to the program, call 479.575.6486.

Admission Requirements

  1. Minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on all course work attempted prior to receipt of a baccalaureate degree; or
  2. If the grade-point average is below 3.0, the applicant must earn 50% or higher on standardized test (Graduate Record Examinations general test, the Miller Analogies Test, or a similar test acceptable to the Graduate Dean); or
  3. Applicants who do not meet these criteria but have had experience and training in the food industry may be admitted on a conditional basis by petition to the Graduate Dean, and where pertinent, a recommendation from the appropriate program chair.  Each petition will be considered on its own merit.  All correspondence should be directed to the program chair, Dr. Diana Bisbee.

Transcripts

Transcripts are self-managed for the admission process. It is the responsibility of those applicants who desire full graduate standing to request from each college or university which the student has previously attended two official copies of the transcript in a sealed envelope. The sealed transcripts should be sent to the address below along with the application for admission. For those applicants previously enrolled at the University of Arkansas, the Graduate School will obtain your transcript from the Registrar's Office.  The transcript of the student's academic record includes all courses, grades, and credits attempted and indication of degree(s) earned.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Graduate and International Admissions Office
346 N Arkansas Avenue #50
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701

Deadlines

The University should receive all application materials, including all official transcripts, at least one month prior to the date of registration.

The deadlines for consideration by term are:

  • Fall semester, August 1
  • Spring semester, December 1
  • Summer semester, April 1

For International students, deadlines are:

  • Fall semester, April 1
  • Spring semester, October 1
  • Summer semester, March 1

Earlier submission is recommended.

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