This program explores the social, political, economic and environmental factors that impact food systems. Courses focus on the policies governing food systems and how these policies shape the way our food is grown and distributed. The curriculum operates with four primary goals for the next generation of food policy leaders:
- Apply the new knowledge and skills to real-world policy problems.
- Deliver training on the strategic elements of a policy and agenda-setting campaign.
- Gain access to a prominent and influential network of food and agriculture policy leaders and mentors.
- Provide an in-depth understanding of present-day health, agriculture, and environment policy and how it came to be.
Earn a master’s degree through stackable certificates
This graduate certificate can stand alone or serve as a main certificate toward a Master of Advanced Study. To complete the degree, you’ll stack a second 15-credit graduate certificate. This opportunity allows you to design a program tailored to your career goals and interests.
When admitted, connect with your academic advisor about stackable MAS options.
Gain the skills needed to lead a sustainable food system transformation
In this program, you’ll gain the skills needed to become a leader in the next generation of food policy-makers. Through your coursework, you’ll gain a panoramic, interconnected understanding of food policy, including:
- History and operational knowledge of food-related government agencies and global institutions.
- Integration of sustainability, policy, and science issues, and major food and agricultural actors.
- Strategies to achieve food system policy transformation.
- The impact of U.S. federal and state agencies and global institutions on food systems.
- The interconnected social, political, economic, and ecological factors that influence food systems.
- U.S. federal and state policymaking, including legislative, rulemaking, budgetary, and legal processes.
During this program, you’ll be required to complete two one-week-long, in-person immersion experiences located in Arizona and Washington, D.C. During the Arizona immersion experience, you’ll explore the farms, ranches and supply chain businesses affected by changes in food policy. The second immersion experience, in Washington, D.C., builds leadership skills and includes sessions with food policy leaders from a variety of sectors.
What can I do with a certificate in food policy and sustainability leadership?
The food and agriculture sector provides opportunities for professionals who understand the complex interconnections between food, natural resources, policy, economic opportunity and social equity. As a food policy expert, you’ll be an ideal candidate for some of the most important organizations shaping the nation’s food systems. You’ll be able to explore food and sustainability careers in various sectors, such as government, private businesses and nonprofit organizations. In many of these positions, you’ll be crafting and advocating for food policy solutions that improve public health and environmental conservation. This certificate can also prepare you for a career in environmental science, focusing on natural resource management for food production.
Arizona State University’s food policy and sustainability leadership graduate certificate equips you with an in-depth knowledge of current food policies and the process of developing these standards. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for careers that shape policy and advance sustainable food systems.
Coursework for this program explores all of the industries that impact food system processes from policy and sustainability to supply chain management. You’ll gain the skills and strategies needed to make an impact in food policy on a grand scale. In the capstone course, you’ll apply your knowledge to craft possible solutions to current food systems challenges.
The leader and architect of this program is Kathleen Merrigan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary and chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She is an internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor's programs.
best global universities.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have two years of professional experience in food and agriculture.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Personal statement.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Proof of English proficiency.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
The personal statement must not exceed 600 words. It should discuss a food policy issue that is important to you and describe why you believe engaging in policy is important to solve this issue.
Letters of recommendation must be from educators, or professionals in the field of food policy.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”