The Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Sustainable Food Systems immerses students in the complexities of sustainable food production, distribution, and consumption, emphasizing their impact on environmental sustainability and social equity. The program integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental science, agriculture, economics, policy, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable food production, distribution, and consumption. Topics include organic farming, regenerative food production, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Students analyze the effects of climate change on crop yields and water availability and evaluate food policies such as agricultural subsidies and food labeling standards. Through real-world projects and case studies, students develop skills in systems thinking, problem-solving, and advocacy. Graduates are equipped to address challenges in the food industry and drive initiatives towards more just, resilient, and environmentally conscious food systems.
Unity Environmental University
Executive Summary
The Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Sustainable Food Systems at Unity Environmental University is a fully online graduate program designed to cultivate leaders equipped to transform food systems toward greater equity, sustainability, and resilience. Grounded in interdisciplinary scientific knowledge and practical skills, the program prepares graduates to address complex challenges spanning sustainable production, distribution, consumption, and policy. Focused on ecological conservation, social justice, and food security, students develop systems thinking and advocacy skills to innovate within diverse food contexts. Graduates are prepared to lead in sustainable agriculture, food policy, community resilience, and industry transformation amid escalating global food system pressures.
The curriculum integrates environmental science, agriculture, economics, policy, and social studies to provide holistic understanding and applied competencies. Highlighted topics include organic and regenerative farming, vertical and marine food production, climate resilience, food justice, and policy influence. Supporting workforce readiness, the program offers flexible pacing with multiple annual starts allowing working professionals to balance education with career demands. Graduates leave prepared to foster equitable access, environmental stewardship, and sustainable innovation in food systems worldwide.
Program Overview
The Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Sustainable Food Systems at Unity Environmental University is a 30-credit fully online professional graduate program that blends rigorous scientific instruction with practical skills in managing and transforming food systems. The program is structured for completion in as little as one year or on a flexible part-time basis, accommodating diverse learners including working professionals.
Distinct from traditional research-focused degrees, the Master of Professional Science (MPS) emphasizes applied learning, systems thinking, leadership, and communication competencies essential to careers in sustainable food production, policy, advocacy, and food justice. Through case studies, applied projects, and capstone experiences, students engage deeply with current challenges such as climate impacts on agriculture, food insecurity, waste reduction, and equitable policy development.
Unity Environmental University is nationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability education and accessibility. Tuition remains stable through 2030, and multiple start dates per year offer frequent enrollment opportunities to support student flexibility and success. Unity is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a respected body that accredits top institutions, including Harvard and MIT to name a few.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
| Degree Type | Master of Professional Science in Sustainable Food Systems |
| Delivery Format | 100% Online (Distance Education) |
| Credits Required | 30 credits; minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 |
| Program Length | Accelerated one-year option or flexible pacing |
| Distinctives | Interdisciplinary core, applied learning, systems thinking, policy advocacy focus |
| Program Start Dates | Multiple entries annually |
| Transferable Credits | Available for qualified students |
The Larger Discipline: Sustainable Food Systems
Sustainable food systems represent a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field addressing the entire food chain, from production to consumption, through the lenses of environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability. Integrating agronomy, environmental science, economics, policy, nutrition, and social justice, the discipline aims to build food systems that sustain ecosystems and human communities (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2018).
Globally, food systems face mounting challenges including population growth, climate change, biodiversity loss, and persistent food insecurity. Sustainable food systems thinking applies holistic approaches to manage the ecological, economic, and social interdependencies within food networks (Garnett et al., 2013). Innovations include organic and regenerative agriculture, vertical farming, marine aquaculture, circular food economies, and community-supported food distribution models (Erekath et al., 2024).
Policy frameworks ranging from land use and trade to safety and labeling are vital in shaping sustainable food futures. The field also incorporates food justice principles to confront inequities in access, power, and resource distribution embedded within food systems (Guthman, 2014). Practitioners must navigate scientific, technical, social, and ethical domains to advance resilient, just, and environmentally sound food systems (Caron et al., 2020).
How the Degree Program Serves the Discipline
Unity’s Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Sustainable Food Systems directly meets growing workforce demands by preparing graduates with the science, systems analysis, and practical tools to lead transformative food system initiatives. The degree promotes expertise in sustainable production technologies, policy analysis, social equity, and advocacy, equipping practitioners to operate in government, nonprofit, agricultural, or private sector roles.
The curriculum emphasizes applied learning through project-based coursework and capstone experiences, enabling students to develop solutions for pressing food system challenges such as climate adaptation, food waste, and access inequities. Leadership, communication, and ethical policy training ensure graduates hold strategic and management competencies critical for influencing change.
This accessible and flexible program supports professionals already engaged in food system fields and those seeking career shifts, providing skills to implement regenerative agriculture, develop equitable food programs, influence policy, and promote sustainability across diverse contexts.
Curriculum Highlights and Applied Learning
The degree requires 30 credits, organized with a balance between Professional Masters Core (15 credits) and Sustainable Food Systems Major Core (15 credits), designed to foster interdisciplinary knowledge and applied skills.
Professional Masters Core
- Strategic Management of Innovation: Explores the strategic, organizational, and human factors that influence the success of science-based innovation in complex systems.
- Communication for Environmental Professionals: Builds effective stakeholder engagement and public communication skills critical to sustainability leadership.
- Ethical Practice and Policy: Investigates ethical theories and considerations that apply to environmental science, climate change, law, and policy, in national and global arenas.
- Capstone Project I & II: Culminating applied projects addressing real-world food system challenges through research, program design, or policy analysis.
Sustainable Food Systems Major Core
- Food Systems Analysis and Transformation: Provides an overview of key concepts and priorities for accelerating the transformation toward sustainable food systems.
- Sustainable Food Production and Resource Management: Explores innovative approaches and emerging technologies aimed at enhancing food security, conserving natural resources, and mitigating environmental impacts.
- Sustainable Food Policy and Governance: Examines the role of policy and governance mechanisms in shaping sustainable food systems.
- Food Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Considers the intricacies of entrepreneurship on sustainable food systems and the impacts of innovations on climate change mitigation and economic opportunities.
- Community Food Systems and Food Justice: Explore concepts of food sovereignty, food democracy, and food justice, with a focus on empowering marginalized communities and addressing food insecurity.
Learning Outcomes in Practice
Graduates will be proficient in:
- Evaluating and analyzing the interconnectedness of food, health, and environmental systems to identify opportunities for advancing sustainable food systems.
- Synthesizing and applying key concepts and recommendations for transforming food systems towards healthier, more sustainable, equitable, and resilient outcomes.
- Promoting equity, resilience, and inclusivity within food systems, addressing inequalities and empowering historically minoritized and marginalized communities.
- Developing strategies for sustainable food production and resource management, integrating agroecological practices, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
- Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of policy and governance frameworks that influence food production, distribution, and consumption.
- Creating novel solutions for addressing the complexities of food systems using advanced techniques and technologies.
Student Outcomes
Graduates are equipped for impactful careers including:
- Sustainable Agriculture Specialist: Implementing regenerative and innovative farming methods.
- Food Policy Analyst or Advocate: Influencing sustainable and just food policy at multiple governance levels.
- Food Security Program Manager: Directing initiatives that expand equitable food access.
- Sustainability Consultant for Food Industry: Advising on sustainable practices and climate strategies in food businesses.
- Community Resilience Coordinator: Developing localized, adaptive food systems and supporting CSA programs.
Alumni and Professional Impact
Unity Environmental University’s Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Sustainable Food Systems cultivates leaders capable of transforming food systems, balancing ecological stewardship with social equity. Alumni advance sustainability agendas in government, business, nonprofits, and community organizations, embodying Unity’s mission to support environmental innovation and justice. The program’s applied focus ensures graduates not only understand systems science but also translate knowledge into impactful action to confront global and local food system challenges.
References
Delabre, I., et al. (2021). Actions on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Science Advances, 6(44), eabc8259. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abc8259
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2018). Sustainable Food Systems: Concept and Framework.
Garnett, T., et al. (2013). Sustainable Intensification in Agriculture: Premises and Policies. Science, 341(6141), 33-34.
Guthman, J. (2014). Agrarian Dreams: The Paradox of Organic Farming in California. University of California Press.
Erekath, S., Seidlitz, H., Schreiner, M., Dreyer, C. (2024). Food for future: Exploring cutting-edge technology and practices in vertical farm. Sustainable Cities and Society, 106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2024.105357
