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Program Overview
Sustainable Food Systems, MS
The Master of Science program 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.
Program Description
The program includes two week-long experiences for students to engage in food systems. The first is in Arizona, where 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., where 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: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
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.
Degree Requirements
- 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SFS 596)
- Required Core (21 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)
- SFS 565 Research Methods and Analysis (3)
- SFS 566 Applied Research Project (3)
- SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)
- Electives (6 credit hours)
- Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
- SFS 596 Capstone (3)
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
- 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
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: Online, Deadline: 07/31, 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
The MS program is designed to prepare future leaders in food policy. Its affiliation with the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems connects students and graduates to networks in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 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
Contact Information
School of Sustainability | WCPH 3rd
Additional Information
- Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
- Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time.
- 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.
- ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently.
- ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
- The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify.
- A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins.
- A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date.
- A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration.
- The 24-Month STEM OPT Extension is an additional benefit from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that allows international students in F-1 status who receive a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in an approved STEM field to apply for a 24-month extension of their standard 12-month Post-OPT period, twice in a lifetime.
- All ASU graduate and undergraduate academic programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many programs also have additional accreditation through specialized accrediting agencies.
