Program Overview

Overview of the Online Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems

The Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University prepares students to create and lead policy initiatives that pioneer innovative pathways for the future. This program explores food and agricultural trends, builds relationships with farmers, and learns from influential policy leaders to help students advance in their careers.

Program Details

• The program consists of 11 classes, each lasting 7.5-15 weeks, and totals 30 credit hours.
• The next start date is 08/20/2026.
• The program includes two week-long immersive experiences: one in Arizona, where students learn from local farmers, ranchers, and supply chain experts, and another in Washington, D.C., focused on leadership and engaging with food policy leaders.

What You'll Learn

By earning a master's in sustainable food systems, students develop an understanding of today's health, agriculture, and environmental policy-making processes. The program focuses on American food production, distribution, and legislation, and researches U.S. federal and state policy-making, including legislative, rulemaking, budgetary, and legal processes.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduating, students can pursue leadership roles in the food and agricultural sector, utilizing their training to advance in their current role or pursue new opportunities. Potential job titles include:

• Chief Sustainability Officer
• Director of Regulatory Affairs
• Food Policy Manager
• Policy Director
• Senior Advisor for Sustainable Food Systems

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements for the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability. Desired candidates have experience working in a field related to food and agriculture. Applicants must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours of their first bachelor's degree program or in an applicable master's degree program.

Application Requirements

• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of intent (not exceeding 600 words) answering specific questions about research questions, problems to solve, and background contribution to success in the program

English Proficiency

International applicants must meet ASU's English proficiency requirements, with a TOEFL score of 100 or greater to meet course prerequisite requirements.

Tuition and Fees

Students can estimate their full-time or part-time tuition fees using the tuition calculator. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Courses

The program includes a variety of sustainability courses, such as:

• Tools and Tactics for Food Policy Change
• Food and Farm Immersion Experience
• Managing Natural Resources for Food Production
• Applied Food Policy Immersion Experience
• American Agriculture in the Global Context
• Capstone
• Pathways to Sustainability
• Leading Sustainability Transitions

Accreditation and Rankings

Arizona State University is recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and high-quality academic programs, ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation and #1 university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance, and mission-driven organizations.