Sustainable Food Systems, Minor
Explore one of the world's most vital and fast-changing systems, whatever your major. This minor focused on food systems equips you to weave sustainability into careers across business, health, agriculture, policy, science and community development.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Sustainable Food Systems minor description
Food and sustainability are becoming increasingly relevant issues to employers in fields across the public and private sectors. Food systems can be complex and particularly vulnerable to multiple threats. This minor program in sustainable food systems enables you to gain a general understanding of these complex systems and lays the groundwork for you to create positive change.
In two required courses, you learn the fundamentals of sustainable food systems and what shapes a sustainable plate. You have the opportunity to take food systems electives from diverse academic units that are also addressing challenges to food system sustainability. This encourages you to cover a breadth of topics and perspectives related to food system issues such as sustainable agriculture, food justice and sovereignty, agriculture policy and governance, agribusiness, food systems leadership and food culture.
After completing the minor, you'll have a strong orientation toward problem-solving and systems thinking and demonstrate proficiency in critical, analytical and creative thinking by developing, communicating and applying practical solutions to food sustainability challenges. You'll be able to assess and analyze the role of culture and society in shaping food systems.
Why earn a sustainable food systems minor at ASU?
In 2023, the ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems teamed up with three other universities and FoodCorps to earn a grant focused on training the next generation of food systems leaders. That funding powers the USDA NextGen program at ASU, building a pipeline of young professionals ready for careers in the food and agriculture sector. Along the way, you can pursue scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in sustainable food systems, land paid internships and join workshops that help you navigate USAjobs.
Additional details
Beyond your coursework, you can tap into a range of opportunities through the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, along with hundreds of study abroad options and student organizations across the broader ASU community.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in sustainable food systems requires a total of 18 credit hours. |
||
| Required Core | ||
|
SFS 215 Fundamentals of Sustainable Food Systems
(SUST)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
SFS 216 The Sustainable Plate
(SUST)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
| Culture and Ethics Electives | ||
|
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
| Science and Society Electives | ||
|
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
||
|
Any 498 courses must be taken with the topic indicated.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.00
Incompatible Majors: BS in sustainable food systems
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
Explore expanded study opportunities
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the Rob Walton 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 around the world, increasing their professional network.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton 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.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this sustainable food systems minor prepares you for
A minor in sustainable food systems complements a variety of bachelor's degrees, expanding career opportunities related to food in sectors such as business, engineering, technology, science, nutrition, education and government.
Knowledge of sustainable food systems is applicable across diverse career paths, including agriculture, public health, community development and policy advocacy. Graduates with this minor become catalysts for positive change, fostering equity and sustainability in various fields. Whether it's promoting urban farming initiatives, enhancing consumer goods or shaping public health policies, their expertise stands out among job applicants.
By incorporating sustainable food systems into their education, students not only broaden their career horizons but also contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier future. This minor equips graduates with invaluable skill sets that are relevant and impactful in many career contexts.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
