The Sustainable Agriculture major is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary education emphasizing experiential learning opportunities. Our program builds on a solid foundation of agricultural science, while providing courses and professional development opportunities in the biological, social, and economic elements of sustainability.

New Graduate Student Orientation

Theses and Dissertations

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate

• An ability to frame problems and ask critical questions concerning agricultural sustainability
• Knowledge of biophysical as well as socioeconomic aspects of agricultural sustainability
• An expertise in sustainable agriculture that transcends disciplinary boundaries
• An appreciation of the intellectual history of efforts to improve agricultural sustainability
• An ability to work interdependently and collaboratively
• The capacity to address complex agricultural problems by using systems thinking and other approaches
• An ability to critique different problem-solving methods and approaches, and recognize and display visionary leadership with moral and ethical integrity

Double Degree Program (MCRP/MS)

Students interested in a multi-disciplinary, systems-level approach to agricultural planning may pursue the Master of Community and Regional Planning/Master of Science (MCRP/MS) double degree. Those interested in the double degree program should contact the MCRP/MS Graduate Recruitment Coordinator,  Anne Grevstad-Nordbrock at annegn@iastate.edu, for additional information.

The total number of credits necessary to receive a double degree in Sustainable Agriculture (MS) and Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) is 63 with 27 in the SUSAG program and 36 credits in the CRP program. 

Double degree program (MCRP/MS) course requirements (PDF)

Colloquium

Colloquium is a weekly forum for students, faculty, and other interested members of the Iowa State community to engage with speakers on sustainable agriculture topics. Colloquium provides students an opportunity to learn about the areas that impact the study of agricultural sustainability and engage with multiple stakeholders in the study, business, and practice surrounding sustainable agriculture. Colloquium is student centered and student driven. Speakers are arranged by a student committee in collaboration with the instructor. Speakers include local food producers; ISU faculty and area scientists, ecologists, and environmentalists; associates of agribusiness; and representatives of local and regional food systems.