The sustainable agriculture and food systems program gives students a broad base of knowledge and experience in modern agricultural and food systems. Each student customizes their own emphasis, building in-depth knowledge into an area of interest to them. Students are exposed to cutting-edge research in areas such as aquaponics and aquaculture; hydroponics, plant biology, horticulture and plant breeding; and animal and dairy science. They gain hands-on experience in the Macfarlane Research Greenhouses, Kingman Research Farm, Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center, Woodman Horticultural Research Farm and the new Brewing Science Laboratory.

The SAFS B.A. program structure includes FOUR major components: foundation courses, courses in a student-designed emphasis area, program elective courses, and a capstone. Foundation courses include 36 credits, which satisfy 5 of the University Discovery requirements. You must earn a minimum grade of C- in these courses. Student-Designed Emphasis courses include 20 credits that make up a cohesive emphasis or focus area. Courses may be selected from the List of Approved Program Electives, but do not need to be on that list. An appropriate group of courses transferred from a completed 2-year program such as TSAS could serve as an emphasis area. Each student will define their emphasis area in consultation with their advisor and submit it to the SAFS program committee for approval prior to the start of their 6th semester. Program Elective courses include 20 credits, chosen from the List of Approved Program Elective courses. A Capstone experience is a University requirement. Capstone experiences may include formal coursework, pre-approved honors theses or mentored research projects or other special activities that address appropriate and relevant aspects of the capstone experience. This must take place during the senior year. Of the Student-Designed Emphasis and Program Elective courses, at least 16 credits (not counting the capstone) must be earned at the 600-700 level. Further, at least 4 credits must qualify as Experiential.