Sustainable Food Systems Certificate
Prepare yourself to address present and future challenges of food sustainability. Learn how to balance natural resource use and environmental protection with the needs of production, economic viability, food security, and the social well-being of all people. Discover issues of food sustainability through the lens of agroecology, biology, anthropology, environmental studies, economics, and nutrition.
Key learning outcomes
- Develop approaches to modify current practices to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources. Find new strategies to protect and improve rural livelihoods, equity, and social well-being.
- Learn methods to improve efficiency in the use of resources crucial to sustainable agriculture.
- Create robust business models throughout the food supply chain.
- Learn to leverage urban environments to produce and distribute locally sourced food.
- Evaluate governance mechanisms to responsibly and effectively transition to sustainable food production through private and public sector initiatives.
- Immerse yourself in curriculum aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Getting started
No application is required. You simply register for courses during our fall, spring, or summer registration periods.
Earning the Certificate
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete 16 certificate credits at the graduate level.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Certificate courses
The professional graduate certificate in sustainable food systems requires four courses, or 16 credits.
You may choose from the following course groups, using the certificate course search.
- Certificate core courses (choose at least 2 courses; you may select up to 4 courses)
- Certificate electives (you may select up to 2 courses; however, elective courses are not required for this certificate)
Courses taken before the 2018-2019 academic year do not apply toward this certificate.