Meat Cutting and Butchery

Certificate

Why Meat Cutting and Butchery?

The Meat Cutting and Butchery certificate is designed for individuals interested in retail meat careers, meat processing, or value-added production. Whether you are entering the field, expanding your skills in a meat processing facility, or exploring opportunities to sell retail meats directly from an agricultural operation, this certificate provides hands-on training grounded in industry standards. Courses are taught in both English and Spanish simultaneously.

This certificate is a focused, short-term sprint designed to advance students on their career or educational path. Develop targeted, real-world skills for career advancement or prepare for next steps in a degree program. At Mid-State, you will apply your skills by processing meats and preparing products that are sold directly to customers. Enroll today to accelerate your career and get to the next level in your current job or field of choice.

  • Build foundational knife skills and hands-on butchery techniques.
  • Process meats for retail through portioning, smoking, grinding, curing, and brining.
  • Evaluate meat quality to maximize value-added products.
  • Apply sanitation standards and food safety best practices.
  • Prepare for ServSafe® certification and industry expectations.
  • Position yourself for roles in retail meat sales, processing, or entrepreneurial operations.
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Program Facts

Total Credits
9 Credits
Degree Type
Certificate
Program Length
Less Than One Year
Delivery Method
In Person, Hybrid
Location
Offsite
Start Dates
Fall
Estimated Program
Cost
$2,560.53
View Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid Eligibility
Not Eligible
View Types of Aid

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Here is the full list of courses you’ll take in the program.

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

  • Applying industry-standard safety and sanitation practices. 
  • Process various cuts of meat from carcass inspection to processing and packaging. 
  • Develop and implement a usable HAACP plan. 

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)
Consulte Las Normas Técnicas De Este Programa

Career Pathways

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

  1. Credit for Prior Learning
  2. High School Dual Credit
  3. Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”
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Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”
- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”
- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”
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Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”
- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”
- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad

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