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 Publications 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.

Coming soon: 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

The application due date for the Food Systems and Society MS program at OHSU has been extended to August 2020 (specific date coming soon) in order to provide applicants with as much time to complete applications as is possible during this uncertain time. 

We will begin reviewing applications on March 30, 2020, and will continue to review applications as we receive them. Applicants will be invited to interview and notified of admission on a rolling basis through August. Fall courses begin September 28, 2020. 

Please follow the links below to learn more about the admissions requirements, application information, and about financing your degree.

FSS Admissions 

FSS Tuition and Financial Aid

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

Our prospective student online information sessions for the current application cycle will be held on the following dates:

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.