University Catalog 2023-2024

Regulatory Science in Agriculture (Certificate)

To see more about what you will learn in this program, visit the Learning Outcomes website!

Regulatory Science is a field critical to the advancement of responsible technologies for agriculture from concept, through research and development, to commercialization, and through a technology's life. The Undergraduate Certificate in Regulatory Science in Agriculture is an interdisciplinary certificate bringing together science and policy. Students will learn the science, techniques, and policies underpinning agriculture regulation as well as risk management, compliance, data assessment, and regulatory communications.

Application and Registration

To qualify for admission to the Undergraduate Certificate in Regulatory Science in Agriculture, students must be currently enrolled in a BS degree in either agriculture, food or life science, or as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average in their BS degree at the time of application.

Contact Person

Undergraduate Programs Office
Crop & Soil Sciences Department
2234 Williams Hall
Campus Box 7620
919-515-5820
cropsoil-undergraduate-office@ncsu.edu

Undergraduate Certificate Completion

  • Students must complete fifteen ( 15) hours of coursework and have a minimum of 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on all certificate coursework. The minimum grade to receive certificate credit can be no lower than B-. Students do not have the option of taking the courses for 'credit only' if they intend for the course to be part of the undergraduate certificate. 
  • Transfer credit from other institutions is not allowed for the undergraduate certificate. All course work must be registered through NC State University. 
  • Up to twelve (12) hours of non-degree studies (NOS) coursework, if not already used in another program, may be transferred into the Undergraduate Certificate. All coursework must carry a grade of B- or better. 
  • Up to twelve (12) hours of coursework taken while in another undergraduate program at NC State may be applied towards the Undergraduate 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, unless a more restrictive time limit has been established by the program or academic college/school. 
  • A student may obtain more than one certificate. Each certificate must have a least nine (9) credit hours that are unique to it. 

Academic Requirements for Participants

Required Core Courses6
Introduction to Regulatory Science in Agriculture
Advanced Regulatory Science in Agriculture

These courses were co-developed with industry partners, with a goal of bringing Regulatory Science topics front of mind for students in the field of agricultural science. In the areas of crop protection chemistry, agricultural biotechnology, and biological-based products, topics covered included: regulatory framework, policies, bio-politics, safety assessments, stewardship, compliance and a myriad of other topics.

Elective Courses9
Role of Biotechnology in Society
General Biochemistry
Principles of Biochemistry
Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory
Biochemistry of Gene Expression
Global Regulatory Affairs for Medical Products
Quantitative Analysis
Quantitative Analysis Laboratory
Analytical Chemistry II
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Science and Research
Analysis of Environmental Issues
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
Leadership in the Public & Nonprofit Sectors Capstone
Medical Textile and the Regulatory Environment
Environmental Impact Assessment
Introduction to Plant Biotechnology
Public Policy
Science, Technology and Public Policy
International Law
Global Problems and Policies
Soil Science
Principles of Toxicology
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry