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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/22/2024
Total classes: 11
Weeks per class: 7.5-15
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.
Does my master's in sustainable food system say 'online'?
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.
Tools and Tactics for Food Policy Change
Food and Farm Immersion Experience
Managing Natural Resources for Food Production
Applied Food Policy Immersion Experience
American Agriculture in the Global Context
Capstone
Pathways to Sustainability
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.
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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