Tackle the root causes of inequity in the food system

Develop your knowledge in an emerging field of study to build equal access to safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate food within diverse cultures around the world. Earning your Undergraduate Certificate in Food in Culture and Social Justice online from Oregon State University will position you to help create a more equitable world through food by identifying and promoting food justice on a community, state or national level.

This interdisciplinary program draws from the expertise within OSU’s College of Liberal Arts and College of Agricultural Sciences to deliver unique insights that appeal to professionals who are interested in food and social justice.

The certificate is delivered online by Oregon State Ecampus, a nationally ranked leader in online education.

Coursework

Through the lens of social justice and with the aim of nourishing communities so they can thrive, the 28-credit FCSJ certificate coursework examines the role that economic, social and political institutions contribute to the disparities of access to food.

This program distinguishes itself from other, more common online food programs that focus on food science, quality and processes. Oregon State’s FCSJ certificate examines food as more than simple nourishment, delving into topics such as:

• how self-sufficient and sustainable food practices are utilized
• the history of particular food commodities
• when and how we eat
• and food practices within subcultures

As a student in the program, you’ll select from courses in liberal arts and agricultural sciences. The courses will impart the skills needed to operate in an analytical framework as you solve complex situations and engage with communities.

The program includes a 1-credit service learning experience where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in your local community. Visit the OSU Academic Catalog for curriculum details and a list of core classes and electives. 

Prerequisites

You may need to complete additional coursework prior to enrolling in this program and taking the required certificate courses. This could mean completing 3 or more additional credits, depending on your individual educational background as it relates to the program requirements. We recommend that you evaluate this prior to applying for admission.

Earn certificate credits while taking your major classes

If you're in a major degree program that features some of the same courses in the FCSJ certificate curriculum, you can apply the credits toward both your major program and the certificate. That means you save time and money as you work toward graduation and completing the certificate. Talk to your academic advisor to see how this might apply to your degree plan.

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

• All classes are developed by OSU's world-class faculty, who are known worldwide for their research, expertise and innovation.
• Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• OSU Ecampus students receive the same transcript-visible certificate as on-campus students.