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Sustainable Food Systems Graduate 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.

Find Certificate Courses

Related Degrees

If you’re also considering a master’s degree, select certificate courses can be counted toward a related degree field of study.

Sustainability Degree Program

Learn to evaluate and design practices, technologies, and systems that bring solutions to critical environmental
 challenges.

Learn more about Sustainability Degree Program

Global Development Practice Degree Program

Explore the master's degree program in global development practice. 

Learn more about Global Development Practice Degree Program

Related Certificates

Environmental Policy and International Development Graduate Certificate

Gain an understanding of environmental policies & solutions

Learn more about Environmental Policy and International Development Graduate Certificate

Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems Graduate Certificate

Explore ways to address the threats to our natural resources

Learn more about Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems Graduate Certificate

Sustainability Graduate Certificate

Learn to design sustainable solutions to environmental challenges

Learn more about Sustainability Graduate Certificate

 

Registration

Summer 2021 registration opens March 2. Fall 2021 registration opens in July. Start planning now by browsing the course catalog: 

Find a Course  

Have a question?

Our Enrollment Services team can answer questions about our certificates.

Get Information

Certificate at a Glance

Required Courses

4

Number of courses for this certificate.

Start browsing courses

Average Cost

$11,600

Cost of completing the certificate courses, at current tuition rates.

Time Investment

1.5

Number of years, on average, it takes to complete this certificate. You may take up to three years.

Learn more about requirements

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