Desert Food Production ,Certificate
Arid Landscapes, Biology, Conservation, Food Production, Growing Manager, Horticulture, Organic Farmer, Science, Sustainable Crops, Sustainable Food
Harness the power of sustainable agriculture in arid environments. Learn to grow organic edible plants, conserve water and protect biodiversity --- gaining marketable skills to thrive in urban farming, sustainable horticulture and local food systems in a changing climate.
The certificate program in desert food production equips students interested in producing foods locally with the knowledge and skills they need to grow edible plants and navigate the challenges specific to desert climates.
Coursework in the program emphasizes organic food production, sustainable horticultural technologies, green waste reduction, water conservation, maintaining biodiversity and biological cycles, and enhancing soil quality.
Students gain marketable skills that enable them to participate in the growing trend of producing and supporting the consumption of local foods.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location: Polytechnic
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
This certificate requires 19 credit hours. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in all courses. |
||
|
ABS 260 Fundamentals of Sustainable Horticulture
(SUST)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
ABS 368 Plant Propagation
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ABS 460 Organic Gardening
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ABS 464 Desert Horticulture
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
No more than two credit hours of ABS 484 may apply to the certificate.
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
No more than two credit hours of ABS 484 may apply to the certificate.
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
GPA Requirement: 2.00
Incompatible Majors: None
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
This certificate is open to students in any major.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Graduates with this certificate have enhanced qualifications for careers that merge sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship and local food systems. Employers in agriculture, horticulture, food science and community development increasingly value professionals with expertise in desert-specific food production and sustainable farming practices.
Graduates who pair this certificate with a related major often pursue careers such as:
- community garden or urban farm manager
- environmental and agricultural policy advisor
- farm and ranch manager
- food science and product development specialist
- nursery and greenhouse manager
- sustainable food systems manager
This certificate also strengthens pathways into advanced degrees in agricultural sciences, sustainability, environmental policy or public health. Career prospects are strong in the private and public sectors, with opportunities in agribusiness, nonprofit organizations, research institutions and government agencies focused on food security and environmental resilience.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
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.
