CIA Online Master's Programs

Earn your Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems and become a leader in ethical, ecological, and equitable food change. Designed for working professionals with flexible, online format and short, in-person residencies.

Get personalized program information and take the first step toward your journey in sustainable food systems.

You already know that complex social, environmental, and economic factors shape the world’s current food and food systems—for better and for worse. The challenges around creating better food systems that support personal and planetary health, equity and diversity, and more require a new approach to problem-solving, and you want to be part of the solution. But how? With our online master’s in Sustainable Food Systems you’ll be equipped with the tools, advanced level of knowledge, and qualifications to transform our food systems at the local, regional, and global levels. Step up and lead—it’s more important than ever.

Inquire to learn more about CIA’s master’s programs—how they support your goals, what the application process looks like, and how to take the next step.

Our master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems offers students the tactical and strategic skills needed to pursue their ambitions. During the program you will:

Our master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems offers students the tactical and strategic skills needed to pursue their ambitions.Graduates from this program can become:

The two-year, 30-credit Sustainable Food Systems master’s degree program includes:

• 27 credits in asynchronous online courses covering subjects such as sustainability and climate change; sustainable agriculture; food system innovation; leadership and impact; as well as a final capstone project developed in collaboration with faculty advisors and mentors.
• 3 credits consisting of three short residencies held in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Hudson Valley, held in your first, third, and final semesters.

The convenient online learning format of the Sustainable Food Systems master’s program is supported by short, immersive residencies, which gather cohorts for hands-on learning and real-world experience. You’ll get field experience on both the East and West Coasts, exploring the characteristics of food systems in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Hudson Valley/New York City. Attend the CIA-Harvard collaborative Menus of Change® Leadership Summit, and network with the changemakers leading the future of food. You’ll also get the opportunity to bond and collaborate with your fellow cohort members, who all share your passion for changing the world through food.

The Culinary Institute of America has been educating successful food, beverage, and hospitality industry professionals for decades, helping to launch and advance thousands of careers. As a graduate of CIA, you’ll instantly become a part of the most notable Alumni Network—paving the way for exceptional career opportunities. You’ll also have lifelong access to career resources, including job listings, mentors, and networking events. Our master’s alumni have accelerated their careers to own restaurants and businesses, impact the health of communities, craft signature wine brands, become food writers, and become changemakers in their industry.

That’s the iconic CIA Network.

What are requirements for admission?

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or hold an international equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. If your first language is not English, you must complete an English proficiency examination.

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE for admission?

No—CIA does not require GMAT or GRE submittals for master’s degree program applicants.

Will I need to move to a CIA campus location to complete my studies?

No—the online master’s degree program has been designed for distance delivery. Other than the required short residencies (four to six days), students should be able to complete the program from any location with an internet connection. 

Is it possible to work a full-time job while enrolled in the online master’s degree program?

While the academic rigor of the online master’s degree program does require commitment, we believe the workload and pacing will allow most students to achieve a reasonable work/life/study balance. Students will generally be enrolled in two, 3-credit hour courses per 15-week semester. Study time is flexible; students can spread class work across multiple short study sessions or fewer blocks of longer duration to meet their schedule needs. Students can expect to commit an average of 20 hours per week to coursework.

Do I need to be a chef or a food industry veteran to be considered for admission?

No—food industry experience is always a plus, but is not required as long as your application conveys more than a casual interest in the food business.

Can CIA’s online master’s degree program be taken over a longer time period than the prescribed two years?

Students are expected to stay on pace and progress with their original cohort. Our programs been intentionally designed to be delivered in an environment where students bond and develop into a learning community over these two years.

The Culinary Institute of America

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Hyde Park, NY 12590