Graduate Specialization

Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Program:
Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Plan Code:
SAFS_SPCM; SAFS_SPCD
Program Level:
Graduate
Award Type:
Specialization Graduate
College:
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Relevant Excerpt(s) from Academic Programs:
Department:
Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
Relevant Excerpt(s) from Academic Programs:


Excerpt from the official Academic Programs Catalog:

Listed below are the approved requirements for the program from the official Academic Programs Catalog.
Students must consult their advisors to learn which specific requirements apply to their degree programs.


College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Graduate Study
Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems is designed to foster an understanding of biogeochemical, socioeconomic, and policy concepts using experiential learning within the individual’s program of study as a venue for multidisciplinary work. For global perspectives, students are encouraged to participate in either a study abroad course with ecological food and farming systems content, or in a course with international focus.

The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s or doctoral degree. The students program of study must be approved by the advisor for the specialization in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The student must complete 9 credits from the following:
1. Both of the following courses (3 credits):
CSS 824 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Field Practicum 2
CSS 826 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Capstone Seminar 1
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
CSS 424 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Integration and Synthesis 3
CSS 431 International Agricultural Systems 3
CSS 442 Agricultural Ecology 3
CSS 893 Special Topics 3
ENT 479 Organic Pest Management (W) 3
ENT 848 Biological Control of Insects and Weeds 3
HRT 486 Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues 3
3. One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 861 Agriculture in Economic Development 3
CSUS 463 Food Fight: Politics of Food 3
CSUS 811 Community, Food and Agriculture: A Survey 3
CSUS 838 Participatory Modes of Inquiry 3
CSUS 848 Community Based Natural Resource Management in International Development
CSUS 855 Political Ecology of Food
CSUS 858 Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change: Issues and Concepts 3
GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
HNF 406 Global Foods and Culture 3