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Sustainable Food Systems ,BS

Sustainable Food Systems, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Sustainable Food Systems

Agribusiness, Agriculture, Climate, Ecosystems, Environment, Farm, Future, Health, Innovation, Nutrition, Policy, Procurement, Supply Chain, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, economics

Are you drawn to the food and agriculture sector? Food systems are rapidly changing, creating demand for sustainability professionals who understand the complex interconnections between food, natural resources, policy, economic opportunity and social equity. You can become an innovative problem-solver, ready for a wide variety of food-related careers.

Program description

The Bachelor of Science program in sustainable food systems trains students to become effective agents of change through applying sustainability principles to food system policy and practice. Students explore the complex human and environmental drivers of food and agriculture challenges, and they analyze what is needed to make food systems more sustainable.

Coursework covers food system issues from production to consumption, with insights into economics, policy, innovation and social justice dimensions of food and agriculture.

Students in the program are active, engaged members of a community that helps drive ASU's No. 1 ranking for its impact in advising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: SOS 211 - Calculus and Probability
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Video: Learn about the Sustainable Food Systems degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Sustainable Food Systems degree program at ASU.

Curriculum
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Beth Volker
480-727-6963
cgfadvising@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Enya Goveo
480-727-0345
foodsystemsgrad@asu.edu
General contact
480-727-6963

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

ASU students who would like to change their major to sustainable food systems are required to have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50 based on at least 12 credit hours of ASU coursework.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.

Career opportunities

Graduates have a broad understanding of sustainable food systems and are prepared for pursuing careers in areas such as:

  • agricultural development and poverty alleviation --- contributing to projects enhancing agricultural practices in underserved regions and fostering economic growth and food security
  • community food systems management --- leading initiatives promoting local and sustainable food systems, tackling diet-related health issues, and advocating for healthier food choices
  • food entrepreneurship and marketing --- starting sustainable food ventures, innovating in product development, and engaging in marketing and agribusiness to promote eco-friendly food products
  • food literacy --- educating communities on sustainable food choices, cultivating awareness and responsible consumption habits
  • public policy and advocacy --- advocating for sustainable food policies, participating in governance and leading grassroots movements for change
  • resource management for sustainable food production --- playing a vital role in sustainable resource management, safeguarding the environment during food production

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
-1.3%
$89,900
4.5%
$64,070
11.3%
$51,850
4.4%
$82,220
6.5%
$88,720
4.4%
$105,770
-8.7%
$50,580
4.5%
$141,900
3.0%
$83,050
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

School of Sustainability | WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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