Young woman examining a green tomato growing on the vine.

Urban Food Systems Master's Program

Be a force for positive change in local communities by using a deep skillset to increase the availability and nutritional quality of locally grown food.

I want to get started

With a M.S. in Horticulture and emphasis in Urban Food Systems, you'll be a catalyst for change by expanding access to nutritious, locally grown food in your community. This unique program blends science with a deep understanding of the cultural, political and economic forces that shape urban food systems. With expertise in horticultural science, food systems management and sustainable urban agriculture, you'll have the knowledge and skills to fuel economic growth and create lasting, transformative impact where it's needed most.

The program's Professional Track is for working professionals who want to increase their knowledge about urban food systems and the topics within these systems. This track is 100% online and consists of coursework and a report. It is 30 credit hours and designed for people with a variety of educational backgrounds.

Credit30 credit hours
OnlineFully online
People icon.Open to any degree background and skillset

Bring your passion to fruition

Peri-Urban Ag Job Market

Demand for professionals with an urban food systems background continues to increase as city populations grow larger, inequality widens among urban residents and food supplies are affected by climate. This degree's professional track is perfect for those focusing on food sustainability at a corporation or business, nonprofit or community organization and who like to feel connected to their community.

Raised garden beds with fresh, leafy greens in downtown Kansas City.

Professional Opportunities

As an urban food systems student, you'll have many professional and networking opportunities, ensuring you leave the program feeling embedded into a network of food leaders and stakeholders.

Local grower talking to students in a grassy field.
Dustin Kohn

Student Testimonial

"The professors and faculty at K-State Olathe genuinely want to see us succeed. They want our research to come to life."

Dustin Kohn

Certificate Option

If this master's degree appeals to you but you're not ready to earn it, consider the Urban Food Systems Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate. In this 12-credit hour, online program, you'll still learn about the cultural, political, environmental and economic roles within the urban foods landscape. Best of all, this certificate fully transfers into the urban food systems master's degree if you later decide to earn the degree.

Students harvesting lettuce in front of high tunnel.
Brett Bachelor

We're Here for You

Have questions about this program, tuition, scholarships, enrollment or about the student experience? We'd love to answer them. Schedule a virtual appointment with Brett, the student success coach for this master's program, to get more information, receive a video overview of the program and for scholarship applications.

Connect with Brett