Online Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food Systems
Gain a strong foundation in sustainability and sustainable food systems with the online Bachelor of Science in sustainable food systems. Using a holistic systems approach, this degree helps you discover the complex connections between food, policy, economic opportunity, natural resources and social equity.
Quick facts
Next start date: 06/29/2022
Total classes: 31
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Sustainable Food Systems (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
What is a sustainable food systems degree?
The current food systems landscape is changing in new and exciting ways. The online sustainable food systems degree prepares you to understand the current landscape and participate in shaping it from an interdisciplinary perspective.
In this program, you’ll learn how to assess, analyze and create policies and processes related to food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, food equity and economic development. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose a focus area to specialize the degree to your area of interest. Your focus area can help you build on a solid foundation in sustainability and sustainable food systems. It can also help you hone career options by gaining knowledge in a specific area.
- Business and innovation.
- Ecosystem services.
- Educational leadership.
- Global engagement.
- Policy and governance.
- Procurement.
- Public health and nutrition.
As part of the educational mission of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, Arizona State University’s online sustainable food systems degree is offered as a collaboration of the School of Sustainability, College of Health Solutions and Morrison School of Agribusiness.
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 (SDGs), 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.
Will my sustainable food systems degree 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.
Food sustainability jobs
You’ll have a variety of potential career opportunities upon graduation from this online sustainable food systems degree program. Depending on your area of focus and your interests, you may pursue one of the following careers.
Agricultural Manager
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Community Health Worker
Environmental Protection Specialist
Food Scientist
General Manager (GM)
Procurement Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Sustainability Specialist
Learn from national leaders in agriculture and sustainability
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 from 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 national leaders in agriculture and sustainability
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 from 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.
Admission requirements
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Study food systems at the 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. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.
#1
in innovation for 7 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
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate full-time tuition fees for this program without financial aid. Keep in mind: More than 80% of our students receive financial aid.
Financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs, resulting in less financial stress and increased academic confidence. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate full-time tuition fees for this program without financial aid. Keep in mind: More than 80% of our students receive financial aid.
Financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs, resulting in less financial stress and increased academic confidence. Learn more.
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