What Courses are in the Program?

Professional Masters Core: 15 creditsPROF 505 Strategic Management of InnovationPROF 510 Communication for Environmental ProfessionalsPROF 515 Ethical Practice and PolicyPROF 590 Capstone IPROF 690 Capstone IIMajor Program Core: 15 creditsSUST 540 Food Systems Analysis and TransformationSUST 545 Sustainable Food Production and Resource ManagementSUST 625 Sustainable Food Policy and GovernanceSUST 630 Food Entrepreneurship and InnovationSUST 635 Community Food Systems and Food Justice

What is the difference in an MPS and an MS?

The Master of Professional Science (MPS) is a graduate degree designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical skills relevant to the workforce. Unlike traditional science degrees, the MPS emphasizes hands-on experience and professional development, preparing students for careers that require both expertise in science and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. MPS programs focus on a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workplace:Project Management: Students learn to plan, execute, and manage projects, often in scientific or environmental settings.Communication: Emphasis is placed on effectively communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.Policy Analysis: Students gain the ability to understand and analyze policies related to their field, making them valuable assets in governmental and organizational decision-making processes.Technical Proficiency: Students develop a range of specialized skills and techniques relevant to their discipline, such as animal training, conservation advocacy, environmental monitoring, or other tools essential to their field.The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study.

100% Online Master of Professional Science Degree

Build a Career in Sustainable Food Systems

Prepare for a career that drives the transition to socially equitable food systems.

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Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states.

88% of Unity graduates are employed or earning advanced degrees within 6 months.

Program Overview

Sustainable Food Systems

This master’s program prepares you to lead the transition toward environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and resilient food systems.

Career Outlook: Social and Community Service Managers in the U.S.

220 K

Number of jobs in 2024*

6 %

Est. job growth through 2034*

$ 78 K

Median annual salary in 2024*

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

CAREER OUTCOMES

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems?

Food Security Program Manager

Design programs to improve food access for underserved communities.

Food Systems Director

Lead city, nonprofit, or institutional programs for sustainable food access.

Sustainable Agriculture Policy Analyst

Develop policy that supports ecological and equitable farming.

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Regional Food Supply Chain Strategist

Connect local producers to markets through sustainable networks.

“Unity found me…and that’s my favorite thing to say.”

Loma Jones
BS in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture

View Loma’s Full Quote

Loma Jones
BS in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture

“Unity found me…and that’s my favorite thing to say. I was in a jet ski in the middle of the water and I decided to fill out a contact card because I found you guys on social media. Unity has helped me by coming to me and giving me the freedom to travel and giving me the freedom to still work and own a business and be a woman and still live my life freely while chasing my education.”

What you’ll learn

Understanding Sustainable Food Systems

Analyze the interconnectedness of food, health, and environmental systems to identify opportunities for advancing sustainable food systems
Develop recommendations for transforming food systems towards healthier, more sustainable, equitable, and resilient outcomes
Design strategies that promote equity and inclusivity, addressing inequalities and empowering marginalized communities within food systems
Develop strategies for sustainable food production and resource management, incorporating agroecological practices, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience

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Awards and recognition

Proudly Recognized for Excellence

Tuition Rate Lock

Unity’s tuition is locked through 2030, meaning your rate won’t increase while you’re enrolled, providing cost certainty from start to finish.

Total Tuition Cost: $16,500

The total degree tuition falls below the annual federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit, making it possible to finance your education without relying on additional private loans.

Military Friendly

Unity supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their families with a reduced tuition rate of $535/credit. VA education benefits, including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, Active Duty TA and others, may be used toward the cost of your degree.

NO SURPRISES. NO UNNECESSARY FEES.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

See why 98% of Unity students don’t need private loans.

Affordable, Transparent Tuition

With no hidden fees!

Flexible Payment Options

Plans that fit your budget.

Locked-In Tuition

7 years with no tuition increase.

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time while studying.

Personalized Financial Plan

Know your cost before you start.

Low Textbook Costs

Free materials in most courses.

Never an Application Fee

Apply For Free

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Isaac Mpanga
Global Expert in Food Solutions and Corporate Sustainability

Learn More About Professor Mpanga

Isaac Mpanga
Global Expert in Food Solutions and Corporate Sustainability

Isaac Mpanga is a husband and father that enjoys traveling, games, biking, gardening, and other outdoor activities with family.

He is currently the Sustainable Food Solutions Director at Yara North America where he is supporting food and value chain companies understand how Yara’s low emissions fertilizer products fits into their agricultural sustainability programs strategy.

Isaac grew up on the farm in Ghana and still consider himself farmer. He holds trained a teacher in agricultural science education in Ghana. After over ten years of teaching, he moved to Germany where he trained as agronomist. He has research and extension experiences from the University of Arizona as a faculty where he supported farmers implement sustainable agriculture practices with partnerships from USDA as grants projects Director and Principal Investigator. Isaac moved to industry and is a PepsiCo alumnus who led the implementation Lay’s brand regenerative agriculture road mapping for North America potato farmers.

As part of his academic contribution to training the next generation of food systems transformation agents, he recently developed this master level course in Sustainable Food System Transformation for Unity Environment University. Also, He loves writing peer-review articles and making presentations on sustainable and circular agriculture with focus on emission reduction, soil health, sustainable water management, and farmer’s livelihood. He wrote a book on circular agricultural systems and contributed to book chapters.

Learn from Leaders

EdD in Leadership and Innovation, MEd in Educational Leadership, BA in Government and Leadership

Michael Peel
Global Expert in Community-Driven Sustainability Planning and Equitable Climate Action

More Info

Michael Peel
Global Expert in Community-Driven Sustainability Planning and Equitable Climate Action

Dr. Michael Peel is a member of the Distance Education Graduate Faculty team. He received an EdD in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University, an MEd in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a BA in Government and Leadership from Claremont McKenna College. Dr. Peel’s research and teaching interests focus on collaborative climate justice and action, equitable community engagement, and sustainability project implementation. He also specializes in capacity building and planning methods. For his mixed-methods dissertation and study, he developed a toolkit titled the “Climate Justice Collaborative Toolkit” that is designed to be a holistic and action-based framework for improving community engagement and equity processes to increase intersectional climate justice-based outcomes including community capacity-building efforts. Dr. Peel has 17 years of experience in community-driven climate planning, including a series of applied and collaborative climate educational programs in California, Arizona, and elsewhere where he implemented community-based climate courses for community colleges in partnership with the EPA, and led a coalition that successfully competed for federal funds for an energy conservation jobs program supporting low-income individuals through the California Energy Commission’s Clean Energy Workforce Training Program. Dr. Peel’s experience conducting research and planning has been done in partnership with a diverse range of community partners to advance equitable, resilient climate solutions through sustainability projects and programs. Dr. Peel is a proud parent to his daughter Emma with his partner Dr. Cassandra Peel. He enjoys reading, running, film, music, and especially time with family, including his dogs Jesse and Rudie.

Have Questions About the Master of Professional Science in Sustainable Food Systems?

Sustainable Food Systems involve eco-friendly practices like organic farming, mitigating environmental damage, and promoting social equity. The Unity program prepares graduates for leadership roles in sustainable agriculture, policy advocacy, and community resilience. It addresses global challenges, emphasizing equitable food access, policy influence, and community engagement to build just and resilient food systems. In essence, it’s a holistic approach to food production and distribution that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social justice, and long-term food security.

The 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.

The timeframe for completion is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the program within just one year. Alternatively, opt for part-time study by taking one course at a time. Whichever path you choose, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way.

Professional Masters Core: 15 credits

PROF 505 Strategic Management of Innovation
PROF 510 Communication for Environmental Professionals
PROF 515 Ethical Practice and Policy
PROF 590 Capstone I
PROF 690 Capstone II

Major Program Core: 15 credits

SUST 540 Food Systems Analysis and Transformation
SUST 545 Sustainable Food Production and Resource Management
SUST 625 Sustainable Food Policy and Governance
SUST 630 Food Entrepreneurship and Innovation
SUST 635 Community Food Systems and Food Justice

The Master of Professional Science (MPS) is a graduate degree designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical skills relevant to the workforce. Unlike traditional science degrees, the MPS emphasizes hands-on experience and professional development, preparing students for careers that require both expertise in science and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. MPS programs focus on a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workplace:

Project Management: Students learn to plan, execute, and manage projects, often in scientific or environmental settings.
Communication: Emphasis is placed on effectively communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
Policy Analysis: Students gain the ability to understand and analyze policies related to their field, making them valuable assets in governmental and organizational decision-making processes.
Technical Proficiency: Students develop a range of specialized skills and techniques relevant to their discipline, such as animal training, conservation advocacy, environmental monitoring, or other tools essential to their field.

The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study.

Still Deciding?

Build a Career in Sustainable Food Systems

Choose Your Next Step