Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
Advocacy, Agriculture, Community, Environment, Farm, Future, Governance, Health, Nutrition, Supply Chain, applied, leadership, organic, resources, systems
Demand for healthy, sustainably produced food has heightened the need for new public policies that support food systems aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals. You can become a leader in the field, armed with the policy knowledge, skills and practical experience to initiate change.
The certificate program in food policy and sustainability leadership trains students in food policy, from understanding policymaking to developing specific, master-level skills that enable them to effectively navigate legislative, budgetary and administrative governmental processes. Students are empowered to grapple with modern food system complexities and become effective agents of change.
Students are exposed to contemporary food policy issues and choose an issue in which they become an expert, with faculty assistance. Students participate in research projects and professional presentations that contribute to food policy knowledge among sustainable food system advocates.
The program includes two weeklong experiences for students to engage in food systems, the first of which is in Arizona. 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. Students gain knowledge of leadership theories, develop leadership skills, and engage in conversation with influential food policy leaders from a variety of sectors.
15 credit hours including the required capstone course (SFS 565)
Required Core (12 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)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SFS 565 Research Methods and Analysis (3)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related 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
- two letters of recommendation
- professional resume
- personal statement
- interview (in-person or virtual)
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa must apply to and be accepted to a graduate program before they will be considered for admission to the certificate program. International students who are residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for this certificate program.
The personal statement should not exceed 1,500 words, and it should describe a food policy issue of interest to the applicant and explain why the applicant thinks that engaging in policy is important as it relates to this issue.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years of professional or organizational experience in food and agriculture.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/25 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 07/25 | Final |
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers them close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also have additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduates of this program can pair the certificate with a variety of graduate degrees to enhance their expertise and career prospects for work in government, public health organizations, food companies or educational institutions.
Career examples include:
- agricultural consultant
- education coordinator
- food policy analyst
- food resource manager
- lobbyist
- nonprofit advocate
- sustainability manager
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 3rd floor
FoodSystemsGrad@asu.edu
480-727-6963
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
