Cultivate Your Career and Change the World
The CIA Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Food Systems degree is designed for professionals who aspire to champion sustainability innovations for non-profits and corporations, help existing organizations turn ideas into actions, and drive change around the health of the planet and its people.
Whether forging a new professional path or growing within a current role, this program is perfect for people looking to advance their careers in the following areas and beyond:
- Agricultural specialist
- Supply chain management
- Environmental lobbyist
- Farmer advocate
- Food and/or nutrition educator
- Food writer
- Product developer
- Sustainability program manager
- Innovation manager
- Registered Dietitian
- Farm-to-Table Program Director
- Policy director
See how CIA alumni are making a difference in the industry. Learn more >
The two-year, 30-credit Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Food Systems program includes:
- 28 credits in asynchronous online courses covering subjects such as sustainability and climate change; sustainable agriculture; food system innovation; leadership and impact; as well as a final capstone project developed in collaboration with faculty advisors and mentors.
- 2 credits consisting of two short residencies held in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Hudson Valley and New York held in your first and third semesters.

Download the full curriculum chart (PDF)
Eligibility
To enroll, you must meet the following requirements by the program start date:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or hold an international equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an English proficiency examination if your first language is not English.
- See additional requirements. (PDF)
How to Apply
Sustainable Food Systems Master’s Degree Affordability
The CIA is committed to making your education as affordable as possible. You’ll find that our costs are comparable to similar colleges, and more than 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid. Talk with us! Contact Student Financial and Registration Services at SFRS@culinary.edu or 845-451-1500.
Eligibility to borrow through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program will be determined once you have been accepted into the MPS program and have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan to help with any remaining expenses.