Sustainable Food Systems (BS)

Gain a strong foundation in sustainability and sustainable food systems with Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in sustainable food systems program online. Using a holistic systems approach, this degree covers the complex connections between food, policy, economic opportunity, natural resources and social equity.

Quick facts
Next start date: 07/02/2025
Total classes: 31
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120

Sustainability and food system courses

The courses in this program were developed by former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan. Celebrated by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010 for her impact in the food and agriculture industry, Merrigan designed these courses to provide you with a holistic understanding of sustainable food systems. Throughout your studies, you’ll cover a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, nutrition, policy, planting, production, economics, environmental and societal issues. Courses may include:

SOS 182: Water Planet (SCIT OR SQ)

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SOS 326: Sustainable Ecosystems

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SOS 220: Systems Thinking

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SOS 231: Careers in Sustainability

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SOS 310: Equity, Justice and Sustainability

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SOS 311: Future Thinking and Strategies

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SOS 111: Sustainable Cities (SUST OR (HU or SB) & G)

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SOS 110: Sustainable World (SUST OR SB)

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SOS 101: Introduction to Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences (MATH OR MA)

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SOS 211: Calculus and Probability for the Life and Social Sciences (MATH)

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SOS 212: Systems, Dynamics and Sustainability (QTRS)

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SFS 215: Fundamentals of Sustainable Food Systems (SUST OR L)

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SFS 216: The Sustainable Plate (SUST)

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SOS 327: Sustainable Food and Farms

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Sustainable food systems jobs

Upon graduating from this program, you’ll be prepared to take on a variety of potential career opportunities. Depending on your area of focus and interests, career examples may include, but aren’t limited to: 

Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers

Growth: -4.6%
Salary: $75,760

Health Education Specialists

Growth: 7.2%
Salary: $59,990

Community Health Workers

Growth: 14.1%
Salary: $46,190

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Growth: 6.1%
Salary: $76,480

Food Scientists and Technologists

Growth: 7.5%
Salary: $79,860

General and Operations Managers

Growth: 4.2%
Salary: $98,100

Procurement Clerks

Growth: -7.6%
Salary: $45,240

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Growth: 3.3%
Salary: $128,620

Sustainability Specialists

Growth: 4.1%
Salary: $75,990