The current food systems landscape is changing. By 2047, the world population will reach its carrying capacity of 9.6 billion people. With farmers representing less than 1% of the American population, the creation and implementation of sustainable ways of growing food is more important than ever.
This online sustainable food systems degree prepares you to understand the current landscape and participate in shaping it from an interdisciplinary perspective. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to take on meaningful career opportunities and address the global sustainability crisis with innovative solutions.
As part of the educational mission of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, this program is offered as a collaboration with the School of Sustainability, College of Health Solutions and Morrison School of Agribusiness.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
For more information about pursuing the accelerated master’s option, please email [email protected].
The skills you'll gain as a sustainable food systems major
Throughout this program, you’ll learn how to assess, analyze and create policies and processes related to food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, food equity and economic development.
You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize this degree by choosing a focus area. Your focus area can help you build on a solid foundation in sustainability and sustainable food systems. It can also help you hone career options by gaining specialized knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Business and innovation.
- Ecosystem services.
- Educational leadership.
- Global engagement.
- Policy and governance.
- Procurement.
- Public health and nutrition.
What is sustainable agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture is the process of farming with the most efficient use of nonrenewable and on-farm resources. Sustainable agriculture enhances environmental quality by protecting the diversity of plants and animals. It also contributes to local economies and improves societal quality of life by protecting natural resources and providing safe, healthy food products.
Throughout this degree’s core courses, you’ll broadly explore the policies and processes of sustainable agriculture. If you choose to complete this degree with a global engagement focus, you’ll learn about sustainable agricultural development in more detail with four specialized electives.
Gain a strong foundation in sustainability and sustainable food systems with Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in sustainable food systems program online. Using a holistic systems approach, this degree covers the complex connections between food, policy, economic opportunity, natural resources and social equity.
The courses in this program were developed by former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan. Celebrated by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010 for her impact in the food and agriculture industry, Merrigan designed these courses to provide you with a holistic understanding of sustainable food systems. Throughout your studies, you’ll cover a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, nutrition, policy, planting, production, economics, environmental and societal issues. Courses may include:
The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.
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
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.”