
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.
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)
SOS 326: Sustainable Ecosystems
SOS 220: Systems Thinking
SOS 231: Careers in Sustainability
SOS 310: Equity, Justice and Sustainability
SOS 311: Future Thinking and Strategies
SOS 111: Sustainable Cities (SUST OR (HU or SB) & G)
SOS 110: Sustainable World (SUST OR SB)
SOS 101: Introduction to Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences (MATH OR MA)
SOS 211: Calculus and Probability for the Life and Social Sciences (MATH)
SOS 212: Systems, Dynamics and Sustainability (QTRS)
SFS 215: Fundamentals of Sustainable Food Systems (SUST OR L)
SFS 216: The Sustainable Plate (SUST)
SOS 327: Sustainable Food and Farms

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