advance your careeron your terms
The global food industry is evolving rapidly, creating a high demand for skilled professionals in food safety, quality assurance, and product innovation. Purdue University’s Food Science Online Academy is designed to equip you with the expertise needed to succeed—whether you’re:
- An industry professional looking to expand your skill set and career prospects
- A scientist or engineer seeking specialized training in food science
- A career changer interested in entering the food industry without a traditional food science degree
With flexible, 100% online courses, you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant skills from renowned Purdue faculty while earning recognized professional certificates that can be applied immediately to your career.
Career-ready training
Master food safety, quality, and sustainability skills in weeks, not years
Master food safety, quality, and sustainability skills in weeks, not years
Expert-developed curriculum
Learn directly from the scientists setting the standards
Learn directly from the scientists setting the standards
Designed for working professionals
Learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace
Learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace
Purdue Food Science Online Academy Certificate Offerings
Professional Certificate Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Our online professional certificates are self-paced, allowing you to enroll and start anytime. Each program is designed for maximum flexibility, with an expected workload of 3-5 hours per week.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Launching May 15, 2025!
• Covers FDA HACCP, GMPs, food safety plans, preventive controls, regulations, and food labeling
• Gain essential skills for food safety management, compliance, and quality assurance
• Open enrollment - Start anytime
Course Description
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance professional development course provides professionals with a comprehensive understanding of modern food safety and quality assurance programs, regulations and industry best practices. Designed by Purdue University’s Department of Food Science and delivered fully online, this course helps you develop in-demand skills in good manufacturing practices (GMPs), hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) preventive controls and food safety management systems to build a solid understanding in the food safety and quality field.
With a flexible, self-paced structure, this course is ideal for food industry entrants, busy students, and professionals working in food production, processing or regulatory compliance. Gain the knowledge needed to ensure food safety, maintain quality standards and navigate industry regulations with confidence.
Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a Purdue University food safety course certificate, CEUs and a digital badge — verifying your expertise and commitment to excellence in the food industry.
NOTE: Registration opens Thursday, May 15, 2025
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain fundamental concepts of food microbiology and their relevance to food safety.
- Apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to assess and improve hygienic production environments.
- Develop a comprehensive HACCP plan tailored to different food industry settings.
- Differentiate between food safety attributes (e.g., hazard control) and quality attributes (e.g., off-flavor).
- Analyze current laws and regulations (including FSMA Preventive Controls) governing food safety in the U.S.
- Propose effective methods of food preservation, shelf-life extension, and recall plans that align with food safety regulations.
Admissions
- Average cost of $2,000* per individual certificate
- *Discounts available
- Full masters program pricing: TBA
- Contact us for tuition details & employer reimbursement options
- GI Bill Benefits & Employer Sponsorships Available
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS) or Equivalent Experience*
- *Science-related field preferred.
- Completed 15 credit hours of science based coursework
- Recommended courses: Biology, Microbiology, Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus (lab courses preferred)
- Average cost of $2,000* per individual certificate
- *Discounts available
- Full masters program pricing: TBA
- Contact us for tuition details & employer reimbursement options
- GI Bill Benefits & Employer Sponsorships Available
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS) or Equivalent Experience*
- *Science-related field preferred.
- Completed 15 credit hours of science based coursework
- Recommended courses: Biology, Microbiology, Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus (lab courses preferred)
Still have questions? The Food Science Online Academy team has answers.
Still have questions? The Food Science Online Academy team has answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our programs go beyond standalone certificates, offering comprehensive training developed by leading Purdue faculty and industry experts.
Working professionals, career changers, scientists, engineers, and anyone looking to specialize in food science.
Yes! Contact us for a sample course preview and insights into the learning experience.
Purdue’s online courses are designed for engagement and real-world application. Check out Purdue Online or online learning success tips.
Food Science Online Academy Team
Hanyu Chen Chen Ph.D.
Take the next step and start learning today!
Take the next step and start learning today!