Sustainable Food Systems ,Minor
Agriculture, Community, Environment, Farm, Health, Nutrition, Supply Chain, Sustainability, systems, urban
Food plays an essential role in our everyday lives. You'll explore topics like sustainable farming and agriculture, access to healthy food, the connection between food and health, and how government policies shape these systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to create positive, lasting change in local and global food systems.
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.
- College/school:
Rob Walton College of Global Futures
- Location: Polytechnic, Tempe or Online
This video provides an overview of the Sustainable Food Systems degree program at ASU.
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| 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.
|
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.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
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.
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.
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Program term definitions
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.
