Sustainable Food Systems –
Agricultural Sustainability and Climate Impacts
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a “sustainable food system provides nutrition and food security for everyone without compromising the well-being of people or the planet now and in the future.” The Sustainable Food Systems Degree Track of the Professional Science Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability is designed to teach students to understand the scope and interdisciplinarity of food systems, evaluate key sustainability issues in sustainable food systems and the relationships between food systems and climate, water, and energy, and to analyze food system data to design strategies that improve sustainability outcomes.
“Just as a river finds new courses when the landscape shifts, our staple crops must chart a new course to navigate the terrain of climate change.”
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Crops, Carbon, and Climate: Sustainable Food and Agriculture Curriculum
The Sustainable Food Systems core curriculum focuses on data science, carbon accounting for agricultural systems, and ecosystem sustainability. Students supplement with a wide array of elective courses to hone their specialization.
Some of the classes you could take as part of the food systems track:
- Principles of Ecosystem Sustainability
- Environmental Data Science Applications: Food and Ag
- Global Agriculture and Environmental Change
- Tools for Food-Energy-Water Systems Analysis
- Food Systems, Nutrition, and Food Security
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Nathan Mueller
Nathan Mueller’s work explores agricultural sustainability and climate change impacts using spatial data science at regional to global scales. He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota and his BA from St. Olaf College. Nathan was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University and served on the faculty of UC Irvine before joining CSU.
Internships – Putting Food System Sustainability into Practice
As part of the Professional Science Master’s students complete a 400-hr, 4-credit internship to gain on-the-job experience and expand their professional networks. Students apply to their internship with the guidance of their faculty advisor and internship coordinator. These internships are almost always paid.
Students have interned at a variety of places, including Field to Market and the Soil Carbon Solutions Center.
“We must plant the seeds of change, and nurture them daily through our actions and choices.” – Kari Martinez
Careers – What Can You Do With a Sustainable Food Systems Degree?
A Professional Science Master’s degree with a Sustainable Food Systems track opens up a range of opportunities across various sectors. Some potential career paths include:
- Food Policy Analyst: Analyze policies and their impact on sustainable food systems, working with governments, NGOs, or think tanks to develop and advocate for policies promoting sustainability.
- Food Supply Chain Manager: Manage and optimize the supply chain to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and implement sustainable practices within food production and distribution networks.
- Sustainability Consultant: Work with businesses, farms, or organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices, advising on resource management, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing.
- Agriculture Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction: Work with agricultural stakeholders to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions of farms and food manufacturers.
- Food and Agriculture Data Analyst: Apply your data science and geospatial analysis skills to the food and agriculture sector to help food systems actors mitigate the climate impact of their practices.
The field of sustainable food systems is growing rapidly, and these roles can exist in government agencies, non-profits, private companies, educational institutions, and research organizations. A Professional Science Master’s equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to the global challenge of creating more sustainable and ethical food systems.
Start Your Application!
Do you want to learn more about the Sustainable Food Systems degree track of the Professional Science Master’s? Would you like to meet with an Academic Success Coordinator? Ready to start your application?
Get in touch! We would love to chat with you.
