Program Overview

Patel College of Global Sustainability

The Patel College of Global Sustainability offers a range of academic programs, including the Food Sustainability & Security Certificate.

Food Sustainability & Security Certificate

Certificate Description

Concerns about population growth, human health, and environmental quality have made food sustainability and security a top priority worldwide. The goal of this program is to provide students with a general foundation of sustainable principles and economics and, within this context, with a specialized analysis of food systems, policy, and public health issues.

This certificate program will provide a general foundation in sustainability and a solid understanding of key issues in food systems and safety/security. The program will cover:

• the concepts, principles, economics, and finance of sustainability, as well as transition towards a green economy
• food production, distribution, marketing, disposal, and policy
• food safety and security regarding biological, chemical, and physical threats It is designed for an audience of a wide range of backgrounds with career interests in the field of food sustainability and security.

Course Location/Delivery

The Certificate is offered both fully online and on campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet University Graduate Admissions and English Proficiency requirements.

Pre-Requisites

None.

Curriculum Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

To complete the certificate, students must:

• Complete the following:
  • IDS 6233 Concepts and Principles of Sustainability (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6235 Economics and Finance for Sustainability (Credit Hours: 3)
• And select one of the following:
  • IDS 6270 Sustainable Food Production (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6271 The Future of Food: Environment, Health and Policy (Credit Hours: 3)
• And select one of the following:
  • IDS 6210 Bioresources for a Sustainable Future (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6216 Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6244 Waste Not, Want Not: Reconsidering Waste, Repurposing Wasted Resources (Credit Hours: 3)

Time Limit / Average Time to Completion

The approximate time to complete the Certificate is two years.

Credit Toward Graduate Degree

Up to 12 hours of certificate course credits may be applied to a graduate degree with departmental approval.