Sustainable Food Systems

The Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) offers students the opportunity to explore all intersections of the food system including production, processing, distribution, retail, consumption, and waste. This program takes a holistic approach to considering potential impacts on the food system, particularly as it relates to rural and indigenous Montana communities and lands, including agriculture, nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability. Graduates of this program become leaders in sustainable food systems who develop practices for individuals, families, organizations, and communities that can sustain and support all aspects of the diverse food system today and into the future.

Students in this program tailor their education to their own interests, potentially covering topics related to food system curriculum development and assessment of field experiences in sustainable food systems, food system education and public awareness, local food system development or localizing diets, institutional purchasing of local foods, food policies, community supported agriculture and distribution, community food security or community-based food and nutrition assistance, or local or statewide food system assessment.

February 15 preferential application deadline for fall semester start; April 1 final application deadline for fall semester start. Students start fall semester only.

Sustainable Food Systems Curriculum

Application Process

Interested students must apply online to The Graduate School before the listed program deadline. Please note that every applicant who applies for admission to MSU and completes an application will receive a formal decision by The Graduate School, whether or not they have been admitted. Admission decisions are based on (but not limited to) undergraduate preparation, alignment with faculty, relevant professional experience, and strength of letters of recommendation. Students applying for the Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems program should have completed a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition, agricultural science, environmental or food studies or a related discipline.

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Application Requirements

A completed Application for Graduate School Admission.
Payment of a non-refundable application fee. The fee must be paid before the application will be processed.
Transcripts. The Graduate School can use unofficial transcripts to review applications; however, official transcripts are required upon being offered admission.
- Official transcripts should be sent to The Graduate School directly from the university the applicant attended, and at minimum, one should have a conferred degree indicated on the transcript while also reflecting all undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate courses and grades. Applicants who are alumni of MSU do not need to submit their official transcripts from MSU.
An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants with post-baccalaureate experience must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.00. See Provisional Admission for more information.
Three letters of reference.
A personal statement.
International Applicants must submit additional documents to complete their application including Evidence of English Language Proficiency.

All students admitted to MSU are required to submit immunization records. See the link to Immunizations and to Fees & Holds for more information.

Current and prospective graduate students are eligible to be considered for GRA (Graduate Research Assistantships) and GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistantships), but this is at the discretion and availability of your faculty advisor. These positions are competitive, and the number of open positions varies each year. You can apply for these positions during the application process. You are also welcome to seek funding outside of work with your faculty advisor if they do not have opportunities available at this time or apply for your own funding through graduate fellowships as alternative funding possibilities. Some faculty are able to work with students who are currently employed and may not need additional funding. Talk with your faculty advisor about this possibility if you think this may apply to you.

Our Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems program is mentor based. It is strongly recommended that potential applicants view our faculty directory to learn more about the research being conducted and reach out to those they may be interested in working with before submitting an application to The Graduate School.