Grow Your Future with a Food Processing Degree!

The Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) is currently offering a certificate program in Food Processing, Technology, and Safety in partnership with community colleges across the state. The two-year certificate program trains students on the processes and technologies used to convert commodities into consumable food products.

Learn Essential Food Processing Skills with MSU IAT

The program was created to address the growing need for skilled professionals by area food processing companies. Students will learn about the methods and technologies used to turn basic goods – fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains – into consumable food products. Upon completion of the 60-credit program, graduates will earn both an associate’s degree from one of the community colleges and a certificate from MSU. Online and in-person courses focus on topics including facilities management, microbiology, chemistry, and safety principles and regulations.

Why Should I Consider a Food Processing Degree?

For Kimberly Melendez, a current IAT Student at the Muskegon Community College Program, took an interest in Food Processing her first semester in the program. “When I started taking interest in Food Processing, I was a freshman in college with no idea what I wanted to major in. It was a Food Science 101 class that did it all for me. Learning different chemical reactions, sensory aspects, and components that goes into creating some of our favorite brands of foods we eat, fascinated me. Studying all these aspects were fun and interactive in labs too. My professor at the time encouraged us and put a ton of passion into her work. Seeing that, the class felt so meaningful to me, making me want to major in Food Processing. Also, seeing the creations we made and eating them made it all worth it in the end!”

“My next step and future goals after I finish my MSU IAT Food Processing program, is to move to the main campus” stated Melendez. “I want to pursue a MSU Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, and potentially work my way to a Masters. Long-term wise, I have yet to lock down what type of job I want to do and what food group fascinates me the most. There are so many options that I want to keep exploring for now.”

When asked what she would tell future students, Kim had this to say, “If you’re someone who loves science, and wants a diverse job field, I believe Food Processing is for you. There is so much you can do, from starting the product, to ending it on the table. If you want to stay in a lab, you can. If you want to be operating the flow, you can. If you want to review documents for FDA/USDA, you can. Food will always be a necessity to our population, and the industry will always demand workers creating many job opportunities for you.”

Where Can I Sign Up?

Anyone interested in any MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology certificate program should apply by August 15 for the fall 2022 semester.

For more information or to apply for the program, visit iat.msu.edu or canr.msu.edu/iat/food-processing. The community college locations include Delta College, Kellogg Community College, Muskegon Community College, and Wayne County Community College.  

Lance Fowler, B.S.Ed. is the Institute of Agricultural Technology Program Coordinator at Muskegon Community College. Contact him with questions at [email protected]