Program Overview

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Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

The certificate program in food policy and sustainability leadership trains students in food policy, from understanding policymaking to developing specific, master-level skills that enable them to effectively navigate legislative, budgetary and administrative governmental processes. Students are empowered to grapple with modern food system complexities and become effective agents of change.

Program Description

The program includes two weeklong experiences for students to engage in food systems, the first of which 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.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

15 credit hours including the required capstone course (SFS 565)

• Required Core (12 credit hours)
  • 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)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
  • SFS 565 Research Methods and Analysis (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related 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
  • two letters of recommendation
  • professional resume
  • personal statement
  • proof of English proficiency

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.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 07/25, Type: Final
  • Session A/C: Online, Deadline: 07/25, Type: Final

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can pair the certificate with a variety of graduate degrees to enhance their expertise and career prospects for work in government, public health organizations, food companies or educational institutions.

• Career examples include:
  • agricultural consultant
  • education coordinator
  • food policy analyst
  • food resource manager
  • lobbyist
  • nonprofit advocate
  • sustainability manager

Stackable Certificates

Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master’s degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.