Regulatory Science in Agriculture

Regulatory science is critical to the advancement of responsible agricultural technologies. The Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science in Agriculture is an interdisciplinary certificate that brings together science and policy for practical application in this evolving industry. Knowledge of regulatory policy is necessary for all stages of technology development and deployment, from start to finish. The certificate program prepares professionals for regulatory leadership roles in industry, government and non-governmental organizations.

The Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science in Agriculture is intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, chemistry, biochem, toxicology, food or life science and desire additional training in regulatory sciences in their respective field. Students currently enrolled in a graduate degree are also eligible for this certificate.

Eligibility

• Must have completed a BS degree in the sciences or engineering, including agriculture, biology, food, genetics, and life sciences from a regionally accredited university or a degree in public affairs or political science related major;
• must have at the time of application a 3.0 grade point average in their BS degree;
• Please contact Dr. Keith Edmisten (kledmist@ncsu.edu), for more information on eligibility requirements.

Plan Of Study

• Students must complete twelve (12) hours of coursework and have a minimum of 3.000 grade point average (GPA) on all certificate coursework. The minimum grade to receive certificate credit for a course can be no lower than B-. Students who take letter-graded 500- and 700-level courses do not have the option of taking the courses for ‘credit only’ if they intend for the courses to be part of the graduate certificate.
• Transfer credit from other institutions is not allowed for the graduate certificate. All course work must be registered through NC State University.
• Up to twelve (12) hours of post-baccalaureate student (PBS) coursework, if not already used in another graduate program, may be transferred into the Graduate Certificate. All coursework must carry a grade of B- or better.
• Up to twelve (12) hours of coursework taken while in another graduate program at NC State may be applied towards the Graduate Certificate. All such coursework must carry a grade of B or better.
• All certificate requirements must be completed within four (4) calendar years, beginning with the date that the student commences courses applicable to the certificate.
• A student may obtain more than one certificate. Each certificate must have at least nine (9) credit hours that are unique to it.

Career Prospects

Technological advancements have changed agricultural practices. As a result, the regulations applicable to the design, development, sales and usage of those technologies have also changed. Novice and veteran agricultural technology development, production and regulation professionals alike will find the materials covered in the graduate certificate program to be useful for entering the industry or keeping up with quickly evolving standards, methodologies and guidelines.