Food in culture and social justice

Undergraduate Certificate
Online
delivery
$409 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms

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 program distinguishes itself from other, more common online food programs that focus on food science, quality and processes. You’ll examine 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, and food practices within subcultures.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online food in culture and social justice certificate program

As a student in Oregon State’s online FCSJ certificate program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market, impact your community and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world experience in the field.

  • Food systems
  • Food in world history
  • Social inequality
  • Nutritional anthropology
  • Environmental ethics
  • Global food politics

Program details

Through the lens of social justice and with the aim of nourishing communities so they can thrive, the FCSJ certificate coursework examines the role that economic, social and political institutions contribute to the disparities of access to food. You’ll select from courses in liberal arts and agricultural sciences and learn how to tackle the root causes of inequity in the food system.

The online food in culture and social justice certificate program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Certificate requirements

A total of 28 quarter credits are required to earn your food in culture and social justice undergraduate certificate. Curriculum details and certificate requirements are available on Oregon State’s academic catalog.

Additional program features

While earning the FCSJ certificate, you’ll complete at least 1 credit of experiential and service learning where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in your local community and volunteer with food-related organizations. Additional credits are permitted, with one credit equaling 30 hours of work.

Students in the program can find volunteer opportunities on their own, but the FCSJ program coordinator can also provide suggestions.

Depending on your educational background, you may need to complete additional coursework prior to enrolling in this program and taking the required certificate courses. We recommend that you evaluate this prior to applying for admission.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a microcredential online from Oregon State. Choose from a large and growing collection of these short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.