Online Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems

Help drive the future of sustainable food policy and production. The master’s in sustainable food systems prepares you to create and lead policy initiatives. You’ll learn to understand food trends and agricultural innovations, and build relationships with farmers, ranchers and influential policy leaders to help you throughout your career.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/22/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5-15

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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What will I learn in a sustainable food systems degree?

Students earning a master’s in sustainable food systems will develop an understanding of today’s health, agriculture and environmental policymaking processes. You’ll study the interconnected factors of food policy. You’ll also learn how natural resource conservation ensures healthy agricultural, food and environmental systems. Graduates of the food systems master’s program will have knowledge of how American agriculture affects and is affected by global food trends and policies.

There are two required week-long immersive experiences. The first is in Arizona. You’ll engage with and learn from farmers, ranchers and supply chain businesses about how food and agriculture policies and programs impact their operations. The second is a seminar in Washington, D.C. You’ll gain knowledge of leadership theories, develop leadership skills and engage in conversation with influential food policy leaders from a variety of sectors.

Why earn a graduate degree in sustainable food?

 

There’s a demand for those who can lead policy initiatives and employ solutions-based thinking to create diverse, inclusive and resilient food systems. These systems are necessary for sustaining growing populations while ensuring ecological resilience. Food systems master’s graduates will apply their knowledge and leadership skills to solve real-world policy issues. Our program gives you access to a network of prominent and influential food and agriculture policy leaders and mentors.

The innovative solutions you pioneer will impact the health of people and the planet.

What is a sustainable food system?

 

A sustainable food system delivers food security and nutrition while being profitable, socially beneficial and having a positive or neutral impact on the environment. According to the United Nations, a sustainable food system lies at the heart of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by world leaders in 2015. Achieving the SDGs will require major transformations in how we grow, process and distribute food, including new strategies to elevate issues of equity and environmental resilience.

Does my master's in sustainable food system 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Sustainable food systems courses

You’ll take a variety of food and agriculture sustainability courses and undergo leadership training. Topics you’ll study include policymaking, environmental and resource conservation, and approaches to achieving sustainable systems.


Required

Tools and Tactics for Food Policy Change


Required

Food and Farm Immersion Experience


Required

Managing Natural Resources for Food Production


Required

Applied Food Policy Immersion Experience


Required

American Agriculture in the Global Context


Required

Capstone


Required

Pathways to Sustainability


Required

Leading Sustainability Transitions


What can I do with a master’s degree in sustainable food systems?

Graduates of this sustainable food systems degree can utilize their training to advance their careers 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.

Food policy manager

Chief sustainability officer

Director of regulatory affairs

Senior advisor for sustainable food systems

Policy director

Learn from leaders in sustainability

This degree program is led by Kathleen Merrigan, former Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the United States Department of Agriculture. Along with faculty colleagues and a network of food and agriculture leaders, Dr. Merrigan engages students in learning about food system realities and problem solving aimed at transforming food systems to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

Learn from leaders in sustainability

This degree program is led by Kathleen Merrigan, former Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the United States Department of Agriculture. Along with faculty colleagues and a network of food and agriculture leaders, Dr. Merrigan engages students in learning about food system realities and problem solving aimed at transforming food systems to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

Admission requirements for the master’s in sustainable food systems

Applicants to the sustainable food systems program must fulfill the requirements for the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability.

Application requirements

Work history

English proficiency

Join a school for leaders who are building a sustainable future

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


in innovation for 9 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 global universities.

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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