about the MS in Food Systems & Society program

What does it mean for this program to be cohort-based?
How long does it take to complete the program?
What does it mean for this program to be low-residency?
What are the entry requirements for this program?
What is the application process, and what materials should I submit?
How much does the program cost?
Who are the faculty involved with the program?
Can I take courses with other departments in subjects of interest to me?
How many students will be in my classes?
What material will we cover in classes?
When are the program's intensives, how long are they and what will they include?
What is the research project, and what will it involve?
How will this program enhance my ability to secure a job in this field?

What does it mean for this program to be cohort-based?

There is one admission cycle in the fall of each year. Each cohort will take all of the required courses at the same time. A group of students will move through the program together, engaging and interacting to build a strong community to address social change in the food system. The aim is that students will work closely together during the program and beyond.

How long does it take to complete the program?

We anticipate that most students will complete the program by the end of the spring quarter of their second year. All students will take a minimum of six credits of required courses (includes the program's four intensives) in fall, winter and spring quarters and select four electives to take in consultation with their academic adviser.

What does it mean for this program to be low-residency?

The program combines online, seminar-style classes with in-person intensive sessions to provide you with a flexible and rich learning experience. Low-residency means that you can participate in the program from wherever you are located, because you will only be required to come to campus twice a year for the program's intensive sessions.

What are the entry requirements for this program?

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least a 3.0 GPA (with flexibility for exceptional circumstances) is required, as is English-language proficiency. There are no specific prerequisite courses and no requirement that your undergraduate education be recent. Those who have experience working in the food system and other social change efforts are encouraged to apply.

What is the application process, and what materials should I submit?

A full list of the application guidelines is listed on our website. You will need to submit a completed application and fee, a statement of intent, a current resume or curriculum vitae, official transcripts, a writing sample and a minimum of two recommendation letters. The deadline for submitting your application is February 15th, 2014.

How much does the program cost?

Check our tuition Web page for the most current information about tuition and fees. Additional expenses may include books and materials, appropriate technology, as well as travel, food and lodging for the program's four intensive sessions.

Who are the faculty involved with the program?

The program is chaired by Dr. Patricia Allen who joined Marylhurst in summer 2012 after 28 years at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to Dr. Allen, two faculty members will teach a majority of the required courses. Sean Gillon will be joining the program as faculty in fall 2013.  Electives will be taught by other Marylhurst faculty as well as adjunct faculty. Courses will include guest lectures by experts in the multiple domains of food systems and society.

Can I take courses with other departments in subjects of interest to me?

Required courses will be taken in the Department of Food Systems and Society. Electives may be taken through the FSS department or other departments with permission of your academic adviser.

How many students will be in my classes?

Courses will be seminar-style with about 12-15 students. This small class sizes enables effective discussions and interactions. You will become part of a close knit learning and research community focused on social change in the food system.

What material will we cover in classes?

At this time we are in the process of hiring faculty and bringing diverse talents and knowledge to the program. Course descriptions are in development. To get a sense of the courses you are likely to complete, please review our What You Will Learn page.

When are the program's intensives, how long are they and what will they include?

The on-campus intensive sessions serve as a required course and will be three to five days long in the fall and spring quarters of each year. Students will visit campus a total of four times throughout the program. Each intensive serves as a foundation for collaborative learning with others in your cohort. In addition to regular faculty, we will have guest presenters, field trips and other activities that promote understanding and reflection about the food system. Students will also begin and continue to work on their individual research or thesis projects.

What is the research project, and what will it involve?

Each student will develop and produce a publication- or presentation-quality body of self-directed and original material. Students will engage with a subject or topic meaningful to them and relevant to social change in the food system. Topics will be developed in consultation with and approved by a faculty adviser. While the types of final projects will vary, each student will interact with all the elements of a research process including literature review, theory, research methods, analysis and evaluation.

How will this program enhance my ability to secure a job in this field?

The program is designed to increase understanding of social change in the food system. The MS in Food Systems & Society will enhance the careers of those already employed in the food system as well as position students to pursue new opportunities in this rapidly growing field. Students will expand their knowledge about food system issues and potential solutions as well as enhance their communication, leadership, and research skills. Developing a career is often about relationship building; students will benefit from collaborative learning, exposure to faculty and practitioners working in the food system, program intensives and a student project. Marylhurst University's Career Services team offers further resources and support on professional development, job support, internships and mentoring. We want to be clear, however, that earning the MS in Food Systems and Society does not guarantee a job or career enhancement.