Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems and Security

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems and Security is a unique and intensive graduate-level program of study that provides students with the crucial knowledge and understanding needed to advocate for and work towards critical food system change in their community and around the world.

Why Study Sustainable Food Systems and Security?

Our food system impacts almost every aspect of society, from production, processing, and distribution to consumption and waste. Unfortunately, our current dominant food system contributes to environmental destruction, climate change, epidemic food-related diseases, and a lack of food equity. Building a sustainable food system needs leaders, planners, educators, government staff, and many others with diverse backgrounds because food systems and security are about more than agriculture and farming.

Program Details

This 18-credit graduate certificate is composed of six online courses taken over one academic year. Drawing from multiple academic disciplines, the two-part curriculum features:

• An extensive look at the dominant global-industrial food system and food security from environmental, social, and economic viewpoints, illustrating the complex challenges they pose to humanity and the planet.
• Consideration of how to devise and promote community and bioregional food systems for the future.

Career Outcomes

Program graduates are prepared for rewarding work in domestic and international agencies, non-governmental organizations, community development organizations, public health agencies, and university-based research institutes and centers.

• Municipal/ Regional District Planner
• Policy Analyst
• Agriculture/ Food System Consultant
• Educator (K-12)
• Academic/ Researcher (post-secondary)
• Entrepreneur
• NGO staff
• Government staff (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, Jobs and Economic Development)
• Extension agent
• Social/ Community Development professional
• Food System professional

Testimonials

• "The graduate certificate was the only program I came across in British Columbia offering a range of courses focused on sustainable food systems using an interdisciplinary approach. I was able to find the education on sustainable food systems and agriculture I was looking for and transfer the individual SFSS courses to my Environmental Management master's program at Royal Roads University, as electives. The program also introduced me to an incredibly knowledgeable team at the ISFS, including the professors, researchers, and students!" - Emily Townsend, 2022
• "The SFSS program provided me with the rare opportunity to experience multiple fields of study and learn from both students and faculty with a diversity of experience and interests. It challenged me to think critically, act creatively, and to use passion as an instrument for change. The connections I've made through the program are with some of the most inspiring people I've ever met who give me real hope for the future." - Jordyn Carrs, 2022
• "The graduate certificate in Sustainable Food Systems and security was the best way to start my career in food systems work. This program has opened up endless doors of opportunity, and still are. This program prepared me for a master degree in so many ways. I learned practical research skills, both qualitative and quantitative. Our courses expensively covered topics including ecology, planning, policy, innovation and decolonizing our food system. It was amazing how much I learnt in one year. I feel so much more equipped to work within the food system. Through hands on assignments, I was able to connect to local organizations and widen my network. This certificate and my connection to the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems is something I’m proud to put on my resume!" - Emily Burkholder, 2022