Program Details | Sustainable Food Systems

Program cost estimates are based on 2024/25 PSU tuition and fees only. This chart is provided to help you estimate the minimum tuition and fees for program completion. Additional fees may apply depending on the course of study that you choose to pursue and the specific courses for which you enroll, so you may also find it useful to review detailed tuition and fee information and the full cost of attendance for PSU programs.

Financial aid and scholarship options may be available to offset program costs. Visit COE Scholarships for specific details on how to qualify and apply.

Program of Study

A total of six courses are required for the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems, with a minimum of 18 total credits. Please note that course offerings are slightly different each year.

Students must take at least one course for each of the certificate’s six learning outcomes. The learning outcomes and their corresponding courses are listed below. In the event you aren't able to meet the learning outcome requirements with the current term's course offerings, you may petition to substitute a course not listed below by contacting the program coordinator. Substitutions are limited to no more than two for the duration of the program.

Outcome 1: Theoretical Frameworks/Ways of Knowing

Identify multiple frameworks and ways of knowing: Students will describe the complex and broad range of theories and perspectives, including non-Western epistemologies/traditions/ways of knowing, that exist in the sustainable food systems movement.

Outcome 2: Power and Privilege

Explain systems of power and privilege in food systems: Students will give examples of how power and privilege affect the contemporary food system.

Outcome 3: Community and/or Field-based Learning*

Engage in learning in a community based setting: Students will demonstrate knowledge of food systems through a community or field-based experiential learning opportunity. This outcome can be achieved through a relevant course on our course list or through an individual internship (you may only count one internship towards the certificate).

Outcome 4: Interdisciplinary Linkages

Examine the interdisciplinary and cross-sector nature of contemporary food systems: Students will critically examine the interconnected social, political, economic, and ecological components that influence food systems.

Outcome 5: Strategies

Evaluate strategies to address food system challenges: Students will critically examine strategies to address food system challenges.

Outcome 6: Elective

Students will select a relevant course for their own learning and professional goals, and to enable specialization. Can be another certificate class, an independent study, an individual internship (though note that you may only count one internship towards the certificate), or a course from the list below:

Other ideas? Obtain email confirmation from the Program Coordinator, Dr. Sybil Kelley, prior to enrolling. sybilkel@pdx.edu

*What is Community Based Learning?

Community Based Learning (CBL) is experiential learning that takes place beyond the classroom and traditional academic settings. CBL takes place through volunteering and internship placements, and compliments coursework and theoretical concepts, allowing you to apply your learning in a work setting. CBL is a venue for engaging your head, heart, and hands by developing relationships and networks in the community and working in the field. You can use your CBL requirement as an opportunity to build relationships with various organizations, to try something new, or to engage in a long term project with one group or organization.

CBL FAQ’s

How many CBL hours are required?

• This will vary from course to course, but typically 30 hours per term are required.

What do I need to do or to know before getting started? The following questions and reminders are useful to bear in mind as you begin.

• What do you hope to get out of your CBL experience?
• Does the work that the organization/program is doing fit with your academic interests, career goals and/or personal values? Are you excited and invigorated by the work they do?
• What time commitment does the program expect from volunteers, (hours/week, one-time, short or long-term)? Is this commitment expectation one you can fulfill?
• Is the organization/program conveniently located for you? If not, are you willing and/or able to travel to get there?
• Does the program/organization operate during hours that are conducive to your schedule?

Other CBL considerations to keep in mind

• Be kind to yourself — find a place to volunteer and start volunteering early in the term. Many students procrastinate on finding a place to do their CBL hours, or wait until the end of the term to cram them in. This can be stressful for you and for the organization where you are volunteering.
• Keep a record of the hours you have spent volunteering and what you did. Some instructors will provide guidance and requirements for CBL record keeping, and some will not.
• Trying to recall from memory what you have done and how long you did it can be stressful. Find a method of tracking that works for you and keep up with it.
• Be reliable, considerate and timely. Remember, volunteering is a service that organizations come to rely upon. Additionally, you are representing Portland State University and the Sustainable Food Systems program. On a personal level, leaving an organization with a good impression can often lead to future employment or very valuable references and connections.
• Talk with your instructors and volunteer supervisor if you need to. Your CBL hours should be meaningful and educational. If you are experiencing difficulty with your CBL hours or experience, don’t be afraid to talk to your instructors, advisor, or the person supervising your volunteer time. You’ll feel better if you do, and things have a way of working out.