Subject Matter Expert; SME : Online Course Development, AFF-Principles of Mea

Program Overview and Course Structure

VTSU CAFE – The Applied Meat Processing & Butchery Arts Certificate Program is a hybrid training program for a career in the meat industry. The meat industry demands technical expertise with a deep understanding of safety and ethical standards. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and quality, professionals who can merge skill and regulatory knowledge are in high demand. This certificate gives candidates the chance to build a robust foundation while adapting to the ever‑changing landscape of food production and processing.

To meet these evolving needs, the Meat Craft Butcher Program at VTSU provides a comprehensive curriculum, within three stackable levels, designed to develop well‑rounded professionals.

VTSU CAFE – The Applied Meat Processing & Butchery Arts Certificate Program is a hybrid training program for a career in the meat industry. The meat industry demands technical expertise with a deep understanding of safety and ethical standards. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and quality, professionals who can merge skill and regulatory knowledge are in high demand. This certificate gives candidates the chance to build a robust foundation while adapting to the ever‑changing landscape of food production and processing.

To meet these evolving needs, the Meat Craft Butcher Program at VTSU provides a comprehensive curriculum, within three stackable levels, designed to develop well‑rounded professionals.

Level 1:
Meat Craft Apprentice Butcher: 13 credits

Level 2:
Meat Craft Artisan Butcher: 23 credits

Level 3:
Meat Craft Master Butcher: 30 credits

• Understand the science and develop skills to expertly process beef, pork, lamb and poultry.
• Employ industry standards of safety for meat products and meat fabrication.
• Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high‑pressure workforce scenarios.
• Demonstrate value‑added skills with sausage‑making, marketing, and culinary techniques (Level 2).
• Understand advanced meat product development, and be able to employ ethical and humane methods for livestock harvesting (Level 3).
• Complete a hands‑on abattoir internship within a production environment (Level 3).
• Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.

Sequential, skill‑building format, practical understanding, foundational concepts, specialized techniques, safety, sanitation, butchery, processing, regulatory compliance.

Hybrid delivery, online lecture, hands‑on intensives, mentorship, peer collaboration, focused instruction, abattoir (meat facility) internship, regional partner sites, traceability, humane handling, value‑added meat products.

Certificate in Meat Processing and Food Safety, credentials valued by employers.

High school students (dual and early‑college enrollment), working adults, culinary professionals, aspiring butchers, retail meat operations, processing plants, butcher shops, local food systems.

As an SME, you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online’s established course development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $1,000.00/credit.

AFF‑1010:
Principles of Meat Science

Course 2:
Muscle Matters — Principles of Meat Science

Catalog

Title:

Principles of Meat Science

Credit

Hours:

2

Format: 100% Online, Fall, AFF
1010

This course delves into the scientific foundations of meat processing. Students explore muscle anatomy and composition, the biochemical processes affecting meat quality, and the factors influencing flavor, tenderness, and color. The curriculum also covers meat inspection, grading standards, and emerging technologies in the industry.

• Explain muscle structure and its influence on meat quality.
• Interpret inspection and grading criteria.
• Assess shelf life, safety, and sensory attributes of meat.
• Explore innovations and challenges in meat science.

None.

• Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof. Prior experience teaching is preferred.
• Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience.