Sustainable Food Systems, MS
Advocacy, Agriculture, Education, Environment, Farm, Food Policy, Governance, Health, Interdisciplinary Studies, Nutrition, Policy, Solutions, Sustainability, Water, leadership
Access to fresh, healthy food is a basic human need, and feeding a growing population of nine billion is a real challenge in the face of climate change. With this degree, you can help create a more just and resilient global future for food.
The MS in sustainable food systems is a research-oriented degree program in which students develop an understanding of present-day health, agriculture and environmental policy; develop strategies to lead policy discussions; interact with a network of food and agriculture policy leaders and mentors; and apply their knowledge and skills to address problems related to food and food systems.
The program includes two week-long experiences for students to engage in food systems. The first is in Arizona. Students have the opportunity to talk 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. Students gain knowledge of leadership theories, develop leadership skills and engage in conversation with influential food policy leaders from a variety of sectors.
Graduates of the program are able to employ solutions-based thinking and a dynamic systems framework to create the inclusive, diverse and resilient food systems of the future.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Online
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SFS 596)
Required Core (21 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3)
SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)
SFS 560 Tools and Tactics for Food Policy Change (3)
SFS 561 Food and Farm Immersion Experience (2)
SFS 562 Managing Natural Resources for Food Production (3)
SFS 563 Applied Food Policy Immersion Experience (2)
SFS 564 American Agriculture in the Global Context (2)
SFS 565 Organizational Leadership (3)
SFS 596 Capstone (3)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of intent
- two letters of recommendation
- professional resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The statement of intent should not exceed 600 words and applicants must explain the goals they intend to achieve through their plan of study at the College of Global Futures, specifically in the field of sustainable food systems. Applicants should elaborate on key research questions they wish to address or problems they wish to solve as part of their plan of study. Finally, applicants should describe how their background will contribute to their success in the program.
Letters of recommendation must be from two people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements. At least one letter should be academic in nature.
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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/25 | Final |
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the 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.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
Results of the School of Sustainability's 2022 alumni employment survey show that 100% of master's degree program respondents are either employed or pursuing continuing education. Of those employed, 100% of respondents have jobs directly related to sustainability.
Graduates can use their training in sustainable food systems to advance their career in the food and agriculture sector. Career opportunities include:
- chief sustainability officer
- food policy analyst
- policy director
- senior advisor for sustainable food systems
- sustainability manager
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 3rd floor
FoodSystemsGrad@asu.edu
480-727-6963
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
