Program Overview

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Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems major is offered by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This major is designed for students interested in the sustainability of our food systems, who want to gain skills through hands-on learning, active engagement, and internships. Students acquire the critical thinking skills and practical knowledge needed to become successful agriculturalists, entrepreneurs, and researchers. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex issues ranging from food security to food policy to growing crops on a farm.

Major Requirements

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems major offers three tracks of study:

• Food and Society
• Agriculture and Ecology
• Economics and Policies

Students in the Agriculture and Ecology track will focus on crop and animal production systems, ecology, and practices that mitigate negative impacts while producing environmental and social benefits. Students in the Food and Society track will focus on issues related to the social, cultural, political, and community development aspects of agriculture and food systems. Students in the Economics and Policy track will focus on issues related to agricultural and resource economics, policy, and management.

Careers

Possible career paths for graduates of this major include:

• Agricultural Policy Analyst
• Community Organizer
• Educator
• Farmer/Rancher
• Food Systems Manager
• Farmers Market Manager
• International Development Officer
• Sustainability Coordinator
• Permaculture Specialist

Graduate Study

Graduates of this major may pursue further study in fields such as:

• Agroecology
• Horticulture
• Education/teaching
• International studies
• Economics
• Food systems

Alumni Employers

Alumni of this major have been employed by organizations such as:

• UC Agricultural Extension Program
• California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN)
• California Alliance of Family Farmers (CAFF)
• California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
• California Dept. of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
• U.S. Dept. of Food and Agriculture (USDA)
• Center for Land-Based Learning

Related Degrees

Related degrees include:

• Agricultural and Environmental Education
• Environmental Science and Management
• Viticulture and Enology

Internship Opportunities

Students in this major have access to internship opportunities on campus and beyond.

Course Roadmap

The detailed course requirements for this program can be found in the course roadmap, which helps students map out their path to graduation.

Faculty

Undergraduates in this major work directly with faculty through research projects and labs.

Global Learning Programs

Students can expand their horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.

Undergraduate Research

Students can participate in one of the hundreds of research opportunities available.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this major can connect their degree to career opportunities in various fields.