Online Food Safety and Quality Assurance Certificate
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.
Ready to elevate your food science expertise?
Why Choose This Course?
Comprehensive Food Safety Training
Gain an in-depth understanding of food safety principles, quality assurance measures and regulatory compliance. This course covers critical industry standards, such as:
- Fundamentals of food microbiology
- Good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
- HACCP principles and plan development
- FSMA preventive controls
By mastering these essentials, you’ll have a well-rounded foundation in food safety management that immediately benefits your current or future role.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum with Real-World Applications
Crafted to meet industry best practices and regulatory requirements, the curriculum teaches you to:
- Develop HACCP plans
- Implement effective food safety strategies
- Navigate evolving compliance standards
- Understand labeling requirements
Whether you work in food production, processing or regulatory compliance, these practical skills can be applied right away in the workplace.
Regulatory Expertise and Compliance Readiness
Stay up to date on the latest food safety laws and regulations. You’ll gain experience in:
- Preventive controls for human food
- Third-party audits and recall procedures
- Labeling mandates and industry guidelines
By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to demonstrate compliance leadership and support your organization’s commitment to quality.
WHAT YOU WILL Learn
The online Food Safety and Quality Assurance course consists of five modules designed for flexible learning. You’re encouraged to complete one module every two weeks, though you may progress at your own pace. Access is open for 12 weeks, so you can revisit materials as needed.
Each module includes:
- Expert-led video lessons covering essential food safety topics.
- Supplemental readings and resources including glossaries, graphics and industry insights.
- Downloadable slides to support study and review.
- Quizzes and assessments to reinforce key concepts and ensure comprehension.
| Module | Topic | Key Learning Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Fundamentals of Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) | – Fundamentals of food microbiology – General food product handling and safety testing – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) – Food safety plan overview – Regulatory agencies overview |
| Module 2 | Food Hazards and HACCP Principles | – Understanding biological, chemical and physical hazards – Conducting a hazard analysis – Developing a HACCP plan |
| Module 3 | What are Preventive Controls | – Process preventive controls – Allergen preventive controls – Supplier preventive controls – Sanitation preventive controls |
| Module 4 | Implementing a Food Safety Plan | – Recall planning – Implementation procedures: monitoring, verification, validation – Corrective actions and record-keeping |
| Module 5 | Food Laws and Labeling Compliance | – Food safety laws and regulations – Food labeling requirements |
Frequently Asked Questions
Many employers provide tuition assistance or professional development funds for job-related courses, so be sure to check with your HR department. Purdue University occasionally offers promotional discounts for noncredit courses. Contact the Department of Food Science project manager or our online programs faculty lead to explore scholarship and discount opportunities.
Salaries vary by role, location, and level of experience. However, entry-level positions such as Quality Assurance Technicians or Food Safety Specialists typically earn $50,000–$70,000 annually (reference: Glassdoor.com), while mid- to senior-level roles (e.g., Food Safety Manager or Quality Assurance Director) can reach $60,000–$90,000+ (reference: Glassdoor.com). Earning a recognized certificate can help increase your earning potential and open up more specialized career paths.
Graduates often pursue roles like:
- Food Safety Specialist
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager
- Regulatory Affairs Associate
- HACCP Coordinator
- Compliance Officer
Companies such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and various food testing laboratories frequently hire professionals with these credentials (reference: Glassdoor.com).
Employers value the practical, up-to-date training Purdue graduates bring to their organizations. They consistently report that Purdue’s emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications produces highly effective food safety and quality assurance professionals.
You’ll connect with peers and industry professionals through online discussion activities and Q&A sessions. Many participants form lasting professional relationships that lead to potential job opportunities or collaborations. The course may also feature guest lectures from leading experts, allowing you to network with potential future employers.
While this noncredit course does not include formal job placement services, individual career coaching from Purdue faculty and professional network can be made available upon request. Completing this certificate can also expand your professional network, giving you access to new job leads and referrals.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to use key food safety management systems, digital record-keeping resources, and best practices for online food safety analysis tools. This practical technology knowledge helps ensure you’re prepared for modern food industry work environments.
Register today!
Take the next step in advancing your career in food safety and quality assurance.
100% Online | Self-Paced | Industry-Recognized Certificate