Institute for Food Laws and Regulations

The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations does not offer scholarships for its programs. Students may explore options for funding and financial aid through the Graduate School.  

How to Request Educational Support from Your Employer 

Many students receive educational support from their employers. Find out if your organization has a tuition assistance plan in place, or if it is willing to fund on a case-by-case basis.  

The online Master of Science in Food Regulatory Affairs (MSFRA) benefits both students and employers in a number of ways. Here are some points that you may include in your request for educational support. 

Learning Objectives

Many food industry professionals hold science degrees, but these programs rarely include regulatory training despite the need. The MSFRA addresses this gap in training. 

The program is ideal for early to mid-career professionals working in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, food safety, product development, or policy.  

Organizations will benefit from having someone in-house who: 

• Understands and can apply domestic and international food laws to products. 
• Can evaluate regulatory proposals and compliance requirements. 
• Clear hurdles to new product development.
• Predict risks and proactively prepare for them.
• Communicates effectively with regulators, lawmakers, and stakeholders.
• Can apply legal knowledge to support strategic business decisions in global markets.
• Has the credentials and weight behind them in leading teams and interacting with stakeholders.
• Knows how to stay current with regulatory topics.
• Advise companies on submitting comments for proposed regulations.

Experience & Prestige

MSU is the pioneer land grant university and a leading Big10 research institution. The Institute has been teaching online to food industry professionals since 1997. 

Program faculty are attorneys with science backgrounds. The director, Neal Fortin, has written the premier guide for food law: Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice. Over 20 industry attorneys, regulatory practitioners, and subject matter experts provide guest lectures throughout the program.  

Flexibility

The MSFRA is fully online and asynchronous. Most students take one or two courses per semester while still working full time. Students complete the degree in approximately 3 years, depending on the student's preferred course load. 

Cost

Yes, graduate training is expensive, however, your organization benefits from developing in-house expertise and not needing to hire counsel, consultants, or new specialists in a competitive field. 

All course material is supplied within the learning platform. No text purchases are required.