Sustainable Food Practices

Certificate

Two students in a community garden dig up and inspect root vegetables.

If you’re passionate about food, health and the environment, explore Montclair State University’s Sustainable Food Practices Certificate. This STEM-Designated Degree Program will give you the knowledge and skills to make an impact in the future of food, food ethics and sustainability. In this program, you’ll explore the connections between food production, waste, ethics and sustainability while examining how food is grown, processed, marketed and consumed. You’ll also critically evaluate alternative food systems and develop policies to improve sustainability across industries, including restaurants, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and produce.

As a unique advantage, you can also earn an optional Foodservice Sustainability Certificate through the Green Restaurant Association (GRA)—a respected nonprofit certifier with over 30 years of leadership in sustainable foodservice.

Even better, all coursework from this certificate can be applied toward Montclair’s M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science, giving you the flexibility to continue your graduate education.

Program Highlights

  • Learn the science and ethics behind sustainable food systems
  • Analyze industry practices and develop solutions for the future of food
  • Earn a dual credential with the GRA Foodservice Sustainability Certificate
  • Apply credits toward Montclair’s M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science

Note: A U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees should review U.S. degree equivalency requirements on the international student application page.

See the curriculum.

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Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essay/Statement of Purpose: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two
  • Resume: Required

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Meena Mahadevan

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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