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: 08/20/2020
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!
Details
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.
Sustainability and food system courses
The courses in this program help you develop a holistic understanding of sustainable food systems. Courses cover a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, nutrition, policy, planting, production, economics, environmental and societal issues.
SFS 484: Internship
SOS 101: Introduction to Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences (MA)
SOS 212: Systems, Dynamics and Sustainability
SFS 215: Fundamentals of U.S. Food and Agriculture
SFS 216: Subsectors of U.S. Food and Agriculture
SOS 327: Sustainable Food and Farms
SOS 311: Future Thinking and Strategies
SOS 182: Water Planet (SQ)
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.
Environmental Protection Specialist
Food Scientist
General Manager (GM)
Ranch Manager
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
freshman student
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.
Top 10
Coolest Schools by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
#1
in innovation for 5 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 10
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Top 10%
Best Global Universities.
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