Food Systems
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Program Type
Program Format
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Food Systems (GCFS) is a multidisciplinary program administered by the Berkeley Food Institute (BFI). Developed in response to the urgent need for innovative solutions to global food and farming challenges, the certificate invites graduate and doctoral students from all UC Berkeley programs to think critically about the multi-level factors affecting food production, distribution, and consumption.
The program bridges disciplines—including public health, public policy, business, and environmental sciences—to train the next generation of food systems leaders. Students gain access to specialized experiential learning, including field trips, workshops, and networking events with a vibrant alumni community.
Objectives
Accessibility & Awareness: Cultivating a student body that is diverse in both academic department and demographics.
Career Development: Providing workforce opportunities and access to diverse career pathways in regenerative agriculture, policy, sustainable sourcing, and research.
Community-Building: Connecting students across campus through farm gatherings, "Lunch n’ Learns," and collaborative projects.
Academic Excellence: Supplementing primary degree programs with specialized knowledge in agroecology and population health.
Eligibility & Application
Eligibility: Open to all currently enrolled UC Berkeley graduate students in good academic standing.
Application: Students are encouraged to apply early in their academic career to gain access to Certificate-only programming. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. [Link to Application Form]
Inquiries: Please contact gcfs@berkeley.edu to schedule a meeting with the GCFS administrator.
Completion
Upon completion of the required units, students must submit a completion form to the BFI administrator. [Link to Application Form]
Final grades will be verified, and students must provide a copy of their final project for any petitioned electives.
Successful completion is noted in the memorandum section of the official transcript. Students also receive a physical certificate signed by the Deans of Berkeley Public Health, the Rausser College of Natural Resources, and the Goldman School of Public Policy.