The Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011 encompassed some of the most sweeping reforms of food safety laws in more than 70 years, shifting the focus of food safety to preventative action rather than just responding to contamination.
Food safety vigilance became a primary concern to prevent salmonella outbreaks and occurrences of e. coli in produce and meats. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hired close to 5,000 new inspectors, opening new career venues for professionals with credentials in quality practices and regulation.
This three-credit certificate provide students with a broad knowledge of the regulatory and quality practices of food and food medicines. The certificate is designed to foster professional development, while preparing students for supervisory and managerial positions. Key topics include the basics of food quality practices, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), preventive controls, and hazard and risk analysis. Students will develop a working knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements involved in a food company's processing activities, learning about the key regulatory agencies, which govern food safety: FDA, USDA, and EPA.
The certificate requires completion of three online courses for all students:
- Food Law (5595)
- Food Labeling and Regulatory Affairs (5596)
- Food Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) (5597)
Temple graduates must apply for the post-master's certificate before starting the courses.
Application Information for RAQA Post-Master's Certificates
Applying is straight-forward and convenient, with Temple's Online Graduate Application Portal.
Application Process for RAQA Post-Master's Certificates
- Contact the RAQA office to speak with a program representative
- Set up an account on our Graduate Application Portal. Once you complete the form, you will receive an email to complete your set up.
- Complete all of the required personal information in the Application Portal.
- Submit all required documents, as listed below.
Once all documents have been received, your application will be submitted to our review panel for evaluation. A representative will be in touch within a week of submitting your application with a timeline for an admissions decision.
Application Requirements for RAQA Post-Master's Certificates
- A master’s degree in a pharmacy-related field and a bachelor of science degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, pharmacy, physics or related fields
- Applicants who earned a degree at a non-U.S. institution must submit an equivalency evaluation of their transcript(s) through a third-party provider, either World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
- You must apply before starting the program on the Graduate Application Portal.
- Transcripts: Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended may be sent electronically to qara@temple.edu. Alternately, unopened official transcripts bearing the school's seal must be sent directly from the Registrar at each institution to the School of Pharmacy.
- Resume: Current resume or CV is required.
- Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, applicants should state their specific interest in Temple's program, research goals, future career goals, and academic and research achievements. It should also indicate which courses you would like to pursue, cite your industry experience, and include at least two alternate courses to allow for greater scheduling flexibility.
- Standardized Test Scores: Applicants who earned their master's degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:
- TOEFL iBT: 85
- Some certificates require proof of work experience in RAQA or Biosimilar Manufacturing. Please contact the RAQA Program Office for specific details.
Questions?
Contact our office directly to learn more about this program, discuss admissions criteria, or schedule a time to meet with a faculty member.