Food Systems Minor

This minor is designed for undergraduate students at UC Berkeley. Students are required to take five courses to complete the minor, one of which is ESPM 197: Experiential Learning Through Engagement in Food Systems. A snapshot of electives and required courses that students can choose from is updated regularly and found here.

If you would like to pursue this minor, click the link below and complete the Minor Declaration Form. The form must be completed at least one semester before your planned graduation (e.g. If you plan to graduate in the spring semester, please complete the form by the prior fall semester).

This is the capstone course of the Food Systems Minor, which requires 70 internship hours with a related food and farming systems organization. Experiential Learning Through Engagement in Food Systems is a hands-on learning experience with facilitated discussions on values alignment and career opportunities. Additional workforce development is offered by BFI staff, including career guidance, career panels and a resume review night. In the past, students completed their internships with diverse partners, both affiliated and unaffiliated with the University of California, including farms, grassroots organizations, businesses, UC Cooperative Extension, research centers and more.

In May 2019, Food Systems Minor graduates Daniela Solis and Mackenzie Feldman, together with lecturer Paul Rogé released “Discussing the Food Systems Minor at UC Berkeley: a Three Year Report.” The report is a reflection on the development of the minor and it identifies areas of success and improvement for student learning and outcomes.