Master of Science in Food Systems and Society
Program description
The M.S. in Food Systems and Society at OHSU combines in-person and online learning about food systems and social change. Our cohort-based structure combines online courses with short on-campus courses in Portland, Oregon. You are able to maintain your work and life commitments, while engaging and collaborating in person with inspired, motivated peers and other food system leaders.
OHSU’s food systems and society curriculum integrates lived experience and academic scholarship by examining concepts, perspectives, and strategies relevant to social change in the food system. Through lenses of class, gender, and race-ethnicity, you will analyze how social conditions in the food system developed. You will also study how they are addressed, perceived, and portrayed. Students make an impact in their studies by contributing new knowledge to food systems equity and social change through a capstone project.
Hybrid format: online courses with in-person intensive sessions
The OHSU Food Systems and Society program is offered in an accessible, online format, complemented by two short campus sessions per year. This hybrid modality enables you to participate in the program while maintaining personal and professional commitments in your place of residence. Each fall and spring, you will spend time on our Portland campus collaborating with fellow students and faculty and engaging with thought leaders in the field. Part-time degree completion options are also available.
Curriculum and degree requirements
Our curriculum provides foundational instruction in the social dimensions of the food system. Learn more on the Curriculum and Degree Requirements page and the Course Descriptions and Degree Pathways page.
Capstone projects and careers
Students have the opportunity to develop a capstone project tailored to their own educational and professional goals, setting you up for the next step in your career. Learn more on the FSS Capstones and FSS Careers pages.
Program faculty and students
Read more about our faculty -- Dr. Patricia Allen, Dr. Sean Gillon, and Zoe Speidel -- who work closely with our student throughout the program.
Read about some of our current students and alumni and their exceptional work in the field.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Learn more about program tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities here.
Application process
Important Dates for Fall 2021 Admission
Our application opens December 1, 2020 (see "Admissions" link below for more information). We will interview applicants as we receive applications and will send out early decision notices after February 1, 2021. We will continue to accept applications until August 15, 2021, though we encourage people to apply earlier. If you are thinking of applying, we encourage you to reach out to us via email at fss@ohsu.edu.
Please follow the links below to learn more about the admissions requirements, application information, and about financing your degree.
Learn more
Get in touch with us to learn more and ask any questions you may have about the program! Provide your contact information here and we will reach out to you, or contact us directly at fss@ohsu.edu
Online Information Sessions
Please join us our online information sessions for our Fall 2021 cohort!
- May 18, 2021 - 12-12:30pm Pacific
- June 8, 2021 - 12-12:30pm Pacific
- June 29, 2021 - 12-12:30pm Pacific
Click here to join the videoconference (Meeting ID: 793 8157 7965; Passcode: fss2021)
If you'd like to speak with someone from the program, please complete this contact form (same as the form linked above) or contact us directly by email at fss@ohsu.edu.
FSS Program Flier
Feel free to download, print, and distribute the FSS program flier with other people you think might be interested in learning more.