Overview

The Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) specialization is designed to empower students with a critical and innovative approach to tackling essential challenges within the food system. This specialization takes a comprehensive view of food systems, encompassing all stages of the food supply chain: from cultivation and production to processing, transportation, retail, consumption, and waste management. This inclusive perspective also acknowledges the diverse range of stakeholders involved, such as private sector entities, NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies, all of which contribute to the sustainability of these intricate systems.

Student in brown overalls and green hat holding a clipboard walking away from the camera in a field of green. Through this specialization, students will cultivate a systemic outlook on the intricate relationship between food and the environment. They will develop an understanding of how science, policy, and ethics interconnect, while also grasping the intricate balance between conflicting objectives, potential solutions, and resultant outcomes.

Upon completing this track, graduates will emerge equipped with the knowledge and competencies required to spearhead positive changes in food system sustainability. Their skill set will position them as leaders capable of making impactful contributions within the private sector, government bodies, or non-profit organizations, both domestically and on an international scale. Notably, the Front Range region of Colorado is swiftly establishing itself as a global hub for innovative sustainable food system practices. Students will gain a distinct advantage by having direct and regular access to prominent local food system entrepreneurs and thought leaders, enhancing their learning experience and potential impact.

Guiding Principles

  1. Comprehensive View and Inclusivity: The specialization adopts a comprehensive perspective by addressing all stages of the food supply chain, from production to waste management. It recognizes the involvement of various stakeholders, including private sector entities, NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies, emphasizing inclusivity in its approach.

  2. Critical and Innovative Approach: The specialization encourages students to adopt a critical and innovative mindset when approaching essential challenges within the food system. This principle emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond conventional solutions.

  3. Systemic Outlook and Environmental Relationship: Students are guided to cultivate a systemic outlook on the intricate relationship between food and the environment. This principle highlights the interconnectedness of various elements within the food system and their impact on the environment.

  4. Interdisciplinary Understanding: The specialization facilitates an understanding of how science, policy, and ethics intersect within the context of food systems. This principle underscores the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to comprehending and addressing complex challenges.

  5. Leadership and Positive Impact: Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become leaders capable of driving positive changes in food system sustainability. This principle emphasizes the role of graduates as change agents within the private sector, government, and non-profit organizations, both locally and globally.