Online Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems
Arizona State University’s Master of Science in sustainable food systems prepares you to create and lead policy initiatives that pioneer innovative pathways for our future. In this program, you’ll explore food and agricultural trends, build relationships with farmers and learn from influential policy leaders that can help you advance in your career.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 11
Weeks per class: 7.5-15
Total credit hours: 30
What you’ll learn in this sustainable food systems master’s
By earning a master’s in sustainable food systems, you’ll develop an understanding of today’s health, agriculture and environmental policy making processes. In this program, you’ll learn how natural resource conservation impacts the quality of health through food and agriculture systems. This program includes a specific focus on American food production, distribution, and legislation, and you’ll research U.S. federal and state policy making, including legislative, rulemaking, budgetary and legal processes.
After completing this program, you’ll be able to employ solutions-based thinking and dynamic systems frameworks to develop the food systems of the future. You’ll be skilled in the interconnection between the social, political, economic and ecological factors that influence food systems in our society. Additionally, you’ll gain a variety of transferable skills, including systems thinking, strategic planning and problem solving.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
There’s a high demand for those who can lead policy initiatives and employ solutions-based thinking to create diverse, inclusive and resilient food systems for our future. These systems are necessary for sustaining growing populations while ensuring ecological resilience. This sustainable food systems master’s is designed for those working in the field looking to advance in their career, young professionals interested in gaining more knowledge or those who want to enter the field of food and sustainability.
After graduating from this program, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge and leadership skills to solve real-world policy issues impacting our world today. This program provides you access to a network of prominent and influential food and agriculture policy leaders and mentors.
Will my diploma 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.”
Sustainable food systems master’s courses
In this program, you’ll take a wide variety of sustainability courses and complete training that prepares you for roles in leadership. Topics you’ll study in your curriculum include policy making, environmental and resource conservation and approaches to achieving sustainable systems.
Prepare for leadership roles in the food and agricultural sector
Upon graduating from this program, you’ll be able to utilize your training to pursue new opportunities or advance in your current role in the food and agriculture sector. Your knowledge of the interconnected social, political, economic and ecological factors that influence food systems will be highly desired by employers across many industries. Potential job titles include, but are not limited to:
Learn from leaders in sustainability
The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.
Learn from leaders in sustainability
The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.
How to apply
Applicants to the sustainable food systems program must fulfill the requirements for the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability.
Study at the nation’s first 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 and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
#1
in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
#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.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
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.
You might also be interested in
Certificates
Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
Starts 08/21/2025
Learn more
