Food Safety & Quality Assurance Food Processing | Graduate Certificate
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Food Processing program at Conestoga College is a two-semester graduate certificate designed for individuals with a science, food, or engineering background. The program enhances students' skills in food safety and quality assurance, providing practical experience in Conestoga's pilot plant facility. Graduates are prepared for careers in the food processing industry, including roles as food safety specialists, quality assurance technicians, and HACCP coordinators. The program is unique in Ontario due to its emphasis on practical application in the industrial processing environment.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in the food processing industry in the area of food safety and quality assurance.
Objectives:
- Enhance skills and knowledge gained in previous education stages for direct applicability in the food processing environment with respect to food safety and quality assurance.
- Provide students with practical experience in food safety applications in the industrial processing environment.
- Develop a strong understanding of Canadian and international food safety regulations, HACCP principles, Project Management, and the inter-dependence between cleaning and sanitation principles, food safety concepts, and quality assurance and quality control elements typical of the food processing sector.
Description:
- The program offers a suite of courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge gained in previous education stages.
- Students apply their learning in Conestoga's pilot plant facility, enabling them to incorporate theoretical knowledge into the practical environment of food manufacturing.
- Graduates will be prepared for careers in food processing with a focus on food safety and quality assurance.
Outline:
Content:
- Food safety regulations and HACCP principles
- Project Management
- Cleaning and sanitation principles
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Practical experience in food safety applications in the industrial processing environment
Structure:
- Two-semester, full-time program
- A suite of courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge gained in previous education stages
Careers:
Potential career paths for graduates include:
- Food safety specialist
- Quality assurance technician
- Quality control manager
- HACCP coordinator
- Food safety auditor
Opportunities:
- Careers in the food processing industry
- Opportunities in government agencies, regulatory bodies, and consulting firms
- Research and development roles in the food industry
Outcomes:
- Graduates will be prepared for careers in food processing with a strong focus on food safety and quality assurance.
- They will have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a variety of roles within the industry.
Other:
- The program is unique in Ontario because students apply their learning in Conestoga's pilot plant facility.
- Graduates will have practical experience in food safety applications in the industrial processing environment.
- The program is offered in Cambridge, Ontario.
Additional Resources:
- Program length: 1 year
- Start date: September 2024
- Delivery: Full-time
- Campus: Cambridge – Fountain Street
Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Overview:
Conestoga College is an Ontario college offering full and part-time studies. It provides a wide range of programs and services to students, including full-time, continuing education, online, apprenticeship, and open programs. The college is known for its focus on applied learning and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
Services Offered:
Conestoga College offers a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Academic integrity resources, accessible learning services, bookstore, eConestoga online learning platform, global opportunities, library services, program technology requirements, student tech help, and tutoring & academic help.Student Support:
Counseling, Indigenous services, medical care clinic, remote service hours, student financial services, and student rights and responsibilities.Get Involved:
Athletics & Recreation, Co-Curricular Record (CCR), CSI - Student association, Orientation, and Student Engagement.Campus Services:
Child care centers, facilities management, food services, IT service desk, lockers, ONE Card, parking & transportation, printing services, safety & security, and student housing.Career & Employment:
Community Career Centre, Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective, co-operative education, myCareer Services, and Talent Hub.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Conestoga College provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for students. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and student government. The college also offers a range of social events and opportunities for students to connect with their peers and the wider community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Applied Learning:
Conestoga College emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills development, preparing students for real-world careers.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of employers and prepare students for specific career paths.Strong Industry Partnerships:
Conestoga College has strong relationships with industry partners, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and access to real-world experiences.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students, with a range of services and resources available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Conestoga College offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
- Applied Computer Science & Information Technology
- Business
- Community Services
- Creative Industries
- Engineering & Technology
- Health & Life Sciences
- Hospitality & Culinary Arts
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Trades & Apprenticeship
Other:
Conestoga College has multiple campuses and locations across Ontario, including Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Ingersoll, Kitchener, Milton, Stratford, and Waterloo. The college also offers a variety of online programs and courses.
Entry Requirements:
Canadian Applicants:
- High school diploma with a minimum average of 70% in the final year of studies.
- Preferred subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
- Successful completion of one of the following options:
- A relevant three-year university degree in science or engineering.
- A two-year diploma or advanced diploma in science, food, or engineering.
- Completion of the Conestoga College Food Processing Technician program.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the English language.
International Applicants:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with a minimum average of 70% in the final year of studies.
- Preferred subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
- Successful completion of one of the following options:
- A relevant three-year university degree in science or engineering.
- A two-year diploma or advanced diploma in science, food, or engineering.
- Completion of the Conestoga College Food Processing Technician program.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the English language:
- IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 88 with a minimum score of 22 in reading and writing and 20 in listening and speaking.
- Applicants with relevant work experience in the food industry may be considered for admission even if they do not meet the academic requirements.
- Preference will be given to applicants with previous coursework in food science, microbiology, and food processing.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter with their application.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
- All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Canadian applicants can demonstrate proficiency through their high school diploma or university degree.
- International applicants must achieve the required score on one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 88 with a minimum score of 22 in reading and writing and 20 in listening and speaking.
- Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirements may be eligible to take an English language course at Conestoga College.
- The English Language Proficiency Lab offers a variety of courses to help students improve their English language skills.
