Online Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate
Arizona State University’s food policy and sustainability leadership graduate certificate equips you with an in-depth knowledge of current food policies and the process of developing these standards. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for careers that shape policy and advance sustainable food systems.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/22/2024
Total classes: 6
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 15
Degree questions, answered.
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What is a food policy and sustainability leadership certificate?
This program explores the social, political, economic and environmental factors that impact food systems. Courses focus on the policies governing food systems and how these policies shape the way our food is grown and distributed. The curriculum operates with four primary goals for the next generation of food policy leaders:
- Apply the new knowledge and skills to real-world policy problems.
- Deliver training on the strategic elements of a policy and agenda-setting campaign.
- Gain access to a prominent and influential network of food and agriculture policy leaders and mentors.
- Provide an in-depth understanding of present-day health, agriculture, and environment policy and how it came to be.
Gain the skills needed to lead a sustainable food system transformation
In this program, you’ll gain the skills needed to become a leader in the next generation of food policy-makers. Through your coursework, you’ll gain a panoramic, interconnected understanding of food policy, including:
- History and operational knowledge of food-related government agencies and global institutions.
- Integration of sustainability, policy, and science issues, and major food and agricultural actors.
- Strategies to achieve food system policy transformation.
- The impact of U.S. federal and state agencies and global institutions on food systems.
- The interconnected social, political, economic, and ecological factors that influence food systems.
- U.S. federal and state policymaking, including legislative, rulemaking, budgetary, and legal processes.
During this program, you’ll be required to complete two one-week-long, in-person immersion experiences located in Arizona and Washington, D.C. During the Arizona immersion experience, you’ll explore the farms, ranches and supply chain businesses affected by changes in food policy. The second immersion experience, in Washington, D.C., builds leadership skills and includes sessions with food policy leaders from a variety of sectors.
What can I do with a certificate in food policy and sustainability leadership?
The food and agriculture sector provides opportunities for professionals who understand the complex interconnections between food, natural resources, policy, economic opportunity and social equity. As a food policy expert, you’ll be an ideal candidate for some of the most important organizations shaping the nation’s food systems. You’ll be able to explore food and sustainability careers in various sectors, such as government, private businesses and nonprofit organizations. In many of these positions, you’ll be crafting and advocating for food policy solutions that improve public health and environmental conservation. This certificate can also prepare you for a career in environmental science, focusing on natural resource management for food production.
Will my certificate say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Learn about sustainability in food systems
Coursework for this program explores all of the industries that impact food system processes from policy and sustainability to supply chain management. You’ll gain the skills and strategies needed to make an impact in food policy on a grand scale. In the capstone course, you’ll apply your knowledge to craft possible solutions to current food systems challenges.
American Agriculture in the Global Context
Managing Natural Resources for Food Production
Tools and Tactics for Food Policy Change
Applied Food Policy Immersion
Food and Farm Immersion
Organizational Leadership
What job can I get with a certificate in food system leadership?
After earning a certificate in food policy and sustainability, you can work in a variety of industries, such as government agencies, public health organizations, food companies or educational institutions. You’ll have the expertise to advocate for policy changes, lead nutrition programs, improve food literacy and more. Job titles for graduates of this program include, but are not limited to:
Agriculture or food marketing
Crop consultant
Education coordinator
Ecosystems market analyst
Food policy analyst
Food producer
Food resource manager
Grassroots organizer
Nursery operator
Learn from recognized sustainability professionals and researchers
The leader and architect of this program is Kathleen Merrigan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary and chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and an internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability. ASU’s School of Sustainability recruits faculty with the finest minds and practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a vast array of disciplines, such as business and policy, renewable energy and environmental science. Through use-inspired research, our faculty strives to make our world more sustainable.
Learn from recognized sustainability professionals and researchers
The leader and architect of this program is Kathleen Merrigan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary and chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and an internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability. ASU’s School of Sustainability recruits faculty with the finest minds and practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a vast array of disciplines, such as business and policy, renewable energy and environmental science. Through use-inspired research, our faculty strives to make our world more sustainable.
How to apply
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have two years of professional experience in food and agriculture.
Earn your sustainable food system certificate from the renowned School of Sustainability
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.
#1
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
#1
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
#1
in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 5
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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