​Food Studies

​David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Explore contemporary food issues and prepare to affect positive change on local, national, and global levels.

The food studies program takes a holistic, multi-level approach to food, from production through consumption, and gives students an understanding of food, politics, and governance; and community food systems and gastronomy.

Through courses, fieldwork, research, and practicum experiences, you will develop marketable skills designed to prepare you for careers in:

  • Food politics: Develop regulations for the production, control, inspection, distribution and consumption of food as part of a government agency.
  • Agroecology: Promote the development and implementation of sustainable and eco-friendly practices for food production.
  • Food security: Advocate to ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable, nutritious, and satisfying food.
  • Food Business: Manage commercial food operations in a sustainable manner.

View major requirements

Sample Courses

Core coursework covers agroecology, gastronomy, and nutrition. Sample courses include:

  • Nutrition in Health
  • Food, Identity, and Power
  • Farm to Fork
  • Food Cooperatives
  • Feeding the City: Urban Food Systems
  • Emergency Feeding Systems
  • Human Right to Food and Nutrition

Practical Experience

In addition to coursework, the food studies program offers research and field experiences that help students explore and understand the extensive food industry.

  • Get involved in campus food choices and promote sustainable food systems as a member of BrainFeeders —the first academically recognized food studies club in the country.
  • Gain experience working on an urban farm at the local Southwest Community Farm.
  • Participate in the James Beard Empire State Feast Event in NYC.
  • Intern at local farms, food distributors and retail outlets including the Central New York Regional Market, the CNY Food Bank, and the Syracuse Real Food Coop.

Study Abroad

Broaden your perspective and enhance your resume with a study abroad experience during your college years. Consistently ranked among the top 25 international education providers in the U.S., SU Abroad has more than 100 programs in 60 countries. Food studies students most often study abroad in Florence, London, and Strasbourg.

Explore all study abroad opportunities.

Life After Syracuse University

With a degree in food studies, you can pursue careers such as:

  • Community educator
  • Cooperative extension coordinator
  • Food Policy specialist
  • Food production manager

Or continue your education and earn a graduate degree in areas such as business, research, public health, or public administration. Recent graduates of the program have attended some of the top graduate schools in the U.S.