Our Program
The Masters of Science in Sustainable Food Systems is the first distance learning program of its kind in the country. We recognize that people working in changing food systems tend to be rooted in place, and the MSFS program allows students to remain committed to their communities and professions. Not only do students explore their own bioregional foodsheds, but they also contrast their findings with students from other parts of the U.S. and abroad, enhancing their understanding of food system dynamics and leverage points for change.
Here is what makes Green Mountain College’s MSFS program so unique:
- Low-Residency Requirements Reduces Travel Time and Expense: We only require one residency per year, and unlike other programs, we use our residencies to build relationships and enhance learning among our students, faculty, and scholars in residence. This means that our students spend less money on obtaining their MSFS degree and less time away from work and family.
- Leading Faculty: Our faculty possess in-depth experience teaching and researching concepts in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Many of our faculty are nationally known and recognized as leaders in their fields.
- College is Recognized for Environmental Leadership: Green Mountain College has been focused on the environment for fifteen years, and is consistently ranked among the top colleges & universities in the world with an environmental mission. In 2010 we were selected by Sierra Magazine as the #1 Green College in the United States.
- Student Variety: GMC students span the United States and the globe, bringing a breadth of perspectives and experiences that are not available in masters programs that draw the majority of their students from the same geographic area.
- Proven Online Learning System and Small Classes Facilitate Learning: We’ve been teaching online longer than any other similar program. Our students can focus on their studies, not on dealing with technological glitches. In addition, we keep our class size small – normally, no more than 20 students per section. This ensures that students can interact meaningfully with their fellow students and receive individualized attention from the course instructor.
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