The Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems degree program prepares students for careers in sustainable farming and food systems, from farm to fork, and is customizable based on students’ interests and passions for the future of food and agriculture. This interdisciplinary major is designed to prepare students to work at the intersection of environmental stewardship, economic profitability, and social responsibility in food and farming systems. Core courses are designed to integrate these perspectives at the introductory, intermediate, and capstone levels. The remainder of the curriculum leverages external courses within each of these “three pillars” of sustainability, in addition to UK Core and premajor requirements.
Specialty support credits are recommended along two tracks in either Farming Systems or Community Food Systems. Students pursing the Farming Systems track take elective courses in the plant, soil, and animal sciences, and are prepared for careers in farming and allied industries. Students interested in the Community Food Systems track take elective courses in rural sociology, dietetics and human nutrition, agricultural economics, and other social sciences. Each track allows for flexibility according to your specific interests and can incorporate minors and certificates as part of the major. Experiential learning is emphasized throughout the program, through the course work and faculty advising directing independent research (395-level) and EXP 399 credit, as well as Education Abroad offerings.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for careers in conservation, agriculture, and business in addition to opportunities in Extension and the non-profit sector. Employment opportunities include agronomist, apiarist, conservation specialist, distillation scientist, educator, entrepreneur, Extension agent, farm manager, non-profit manager, and research scientist. Students will also be prepared to enter a variety of professional and graduate programs.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems, students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours with a 2.0 grade-point average. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be from upper division courses (300 level and above). Remedial courses may not be counted toward the total hours required for the degree.
Suggested Four-Year Plan for the B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems