Sustainable Food Systems ,BS
Agribusiness, Agriculture, Climate, Ecosystems, Environment, Farm, Future, Health, Innovation, Nutrition, Policy, Procurement, Supply Chain, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, economics
Are you drawn to the food and agriculture sector? It's changing in exciting ways, creating demand for professionals who understand the complex interconnections between food, natural resources, policy, economic opportunity and social equity. We'll help you become an innovative problem-solver ready for a wide variety of food-related careers.
The Bachelor of Science program in sustainable food systems trains students to understand food-related challenges using a food systems lens, which encompasses the many aspects of food and agriculture within an integrated social and environmental context and empowers students to grapple with modern complexities. Students become effective agents of change.
Coursework covers a wide variety of topics, such as nutrition science, agricultural production, economics and social justice. Students are encouraged to select electives that build upon core sustainable food systems coursework.
Students are engaged in an active community collectively working to achieve the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond the core subject matter and skills courses, the degree requirements include an internship, a chosen focus area and a culminating project-based course, all of which provide students in-depth knowledge of a food-related subfield and ample preparation for exciting careers.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: SOS 211 - Calculus and Probability
- Math
intensity: Moderate
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
ASU students who would like to change their major to sustainable food systems are required to have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50 based on at least 12 credit hours of ASU coursework.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
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.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
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 include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduates have a broad understanding of sustainable food systems and are prepared for pursuing careers in areas such as:
- agricultural development and poverty alleviation --- contributing to projects enhancing agricultural practices in underserved regions and fostering economic growth and food security
- community food systems management --- leading initiatives promoting local and sustainable food systems, tackling diet-related health issues and advocating for healthier food choices
- food entrepreneurship and marketing --- starting sustainable food ventures, innovating in product development, and engaging in marketing and agribusiness to promote eco-friendly food products
- food literacy --- educating communities on sustainable food choices, cultivating awareness and responsible consumption habits
- public policy and advocacy --- advocating for sustainable food policies, participating in governance and leading grassroots movements for change
- resource management for sustainable food production --- playing a vital role in sustainable resource management, safeguarding the environment during food production
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
-4.6%
|
$75,760
|
|
|
7.2%
|
$59,990
|
|
|
14.1%
|
$46,190
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$79,860
|
|
|
4.2%
|
$98,100
|
|
|
-7.6%
|
$45,240
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$128,620
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$75,990
|
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@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.
