2026-2027

Sustainable Food Systems, Minor

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pending ABOR approval.

Food system sustainability is a cross-disciplinary professional and academic field, which draws on the natural, social, and applied sciences. Housed in the Program in Sustainable Communities (Geography, Planning, and Recreation), the core courses in the minor train students in the history and emergence of food system sustainability debates, as well as the principles of food equity and justice. Students will supplement core coursework with the electives best suited to their interests, especially nutrition, environmental science, sociology/anthropology, hospitality, or food systems modeling. Students will also be encouraged to undertake experiential coursework as part of their minor, which may include participation in Community-University-Partnered Inquiry courses, a hands-on course in principles of Permaculture, or a food-system focused capstone project.

  • A minor is a secondary field of academic study that allows students to broaden their knowledge, enhance their major field of study, or pursue a personal interest without committing to another major, while still obtaining a credential on their transcript.

    To receive a minor (15 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses in a specific discipline or interdisciplinary area with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 that is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18

Purpose Statement

Food system sustainability is a cross-disciplinary professional and academic field, which draws on the natural, social, and applied sciences. Housed in the Program in Sustainable Communities (Geography, Planning, and Recreation), the core courses in the minor train students in the history and emergence of food system sustainability debates, as well as the principles of food equity and justice. Students will supplement core coursework with the electives best suited to their interests, especially in nutrition, environmental science, sociology/anthropology, hospitality, or food systems modeling. Students will also be encouraged to undertake experiential coursework as part of their minor, which may include participation in Community-University-Partnered Inquiry courses, a hands-on course in principles of Permaculture, or a food-system focused capstone project.

These classroom-based and hands-on learning experiences will prepare students to take leadership roles in food system sustainability at the local, municipal, state, or regional levels. Relevant career pathways include sustainable food production; supply chain management; food processing and distribution; non-profit food assistance or social services; food policy; advocacy for Indigenous food sovereignty; and food waste reduction and management. These prospective career pathways integrate interests across social and natural sciences, engineering, health, and communications.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify, understand, and apply basic food systems concepts to at least one of the following:
    • Environmental sustainability
    • Social sustainability
    • Nutritional health
  • Explain and understand key elements of food systems, including production, distribution, consumption, and waste.
  • Explain and analyze the interrelationships linking environmental, social, and health- related aspects of food system sustainability.
  • Analyze and evaluate the relationships linking food system sustainability to other forms of social, cultural, and political-economic inequality.
  • Explain and apply core concepts in food sovereignty and food justice.
  • Analyze existing and novel practices to promote food system sustainability.
  • Research, synthesize, and explain complex principles of sustainable food system dynamics in one of the following fields:
    • Environmental sustainability
    • Nutrition and health equity
    • Food preparation and distribution
    • Social aspects of food and eating

Minor Requirements
Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.