Undergraduate Certificate in Food Systems and Hunger Studies

Who is this program for?

The Food Systems and Hunger Studies Undergraduate Certificate is designed for students who want to make a real difference in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. Whether you're pursuing a career in healthcare, public health, nonprofit work, social work, agriculture, or public policy, this program equips you with the knowledge and experience to address one of society’s most pressing challenges. If you're ready to be part of the solution, this certificate is for you.

Program Overview

The Food Systems and Hunger Studies Undergraduate Certificate offers a transdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing hunger, food insecurity, and sustainable food systems. Students explore the biological, environmental, and social factors that influence food access and dietary behavior. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, students gain the tools to develop impactful strategies that promote food equity and sustainability. With Kentucky having one of the highest rates in food insecurity in the nation, this program empowers students to lead change in their communities and beyond.

Related Careers

Students seeking careers involving healthcare, public health, nonprofit work, social work, farm management, and agricultural biotechnology would benefit from this certificate.

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Credit Hours
12
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Credential
Undergraduate Certificate
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Tuition / Credit Hour
Resident $570.50
Non-Resident $1,455.50
Online Option Available

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What You'll Learn

Students in this program will develop a deep understanding of the complex systems that influence hunger and food access. You'll explore how biological, cultural, and environmental factors shape food behavior, and how public policy and community systems can either support or hinder food security. The program emphasizes critical thinking, systems analysis, and real-world application through experiential learning. You'll also build skills in communication, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration—essential for creating sustainable, just, and resilient food systems.


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.

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Join the Martin-Gatton CAFE Living Learning Program

Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

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