BS Sustainable Food and Farming Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Purdue University West Lafayette

Program Overview

Purdue University’s Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food and Farming Systems prepares students to design and manage small farm enterprises while learning how agriculture can protect natural resources and strengthen local food systems. The program suits students interested in sustainable and organic farming, urban agriculture, soil and pest management, and food-system resilience, combining scientific knowledge with practical experience at Purdue’s Student Farm.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin building their foundation in agriculture, horticulture, plant science, and sustainable food production. Introductory coursework and opportunities to explore Purdue’s greenhouses help them understand plant growth and how agricultural experiments are conducted.

Year 2: Students develop practical farming skills through SFS 210 – Small Farms Experience and SFS 211 – Small Farms Experience. These courses cover seeding, transplant production, bed preparation, planting, irrigation, weed management, harvesting, and produce sales, while farm visits introduce students to real small-farm operations across Indiana.

Year 3: Students advance their understanding of sustainable farming systems through courses such as SFS 301, SFS 302, and SFS 351, alongside relevant pest management and soil science electives. This stage helps connect crop production with soil health, environmental stewardship, and the practical decisions involved in managing a sustainable farm.

Year 4: Students apply their knowledge through advanced coursework, including SFS 485 and relevant horticulture coursework such as HORT 435, according to the applicable plan of study. Students can further tailor their learning through electives related to sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, pest management, and soil science. Course sequencing and requirements should be confirmed against Purdue’s current official plan of study.

Focus Areas

Sustainable agriculture, small-farm management, organic farming systems, non-chemical pest management, soil health, urban agriculture, local food systems, food-system resilience, horticulture, agricultural entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, agricultural policy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to plan and manage small farming enterprises, apply sustainable soil and pest management practices, understand organic and urban agriculture, and evaluate how food production affects communities, economies, and the environment. They gain practical crop-production, farm-management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for agricultural and environmental careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides science-based preparation for careers in sustainable agriculture and related environmental fields. No separate program-specific professional accreditation is identified in the official program information; students should check individual certification requirements for their intended career.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Purdue Agriculture highlights its global standing and career-development opportunities. Purdue’s official College of Agriculture student information reports that 91% of graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months, with a reported average beginning salary of $54,336.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Purdue’s Student Farm serves as an outdoor laboratory for the Sustainable Food and Farming Systems major, giving students the opportunity to learn sustainable food production through real farm operations. Students can take part in growing and marketing vegetables and herbs, learn how small farms operate, and explore the connections between agriculture, business, the environment, and local communities. The farm also supports research and community outreach, including produce distribution through community-supported agriculture programs, Purdue dining halls, and food pantries.

Students can build practical skills through the following opportunities:

Purdue Student Farm: Gain hands-on experience with sustainable vegetable and herb production.
Small Farms Experience (SFS 210 and SFS 211): Practise seeding, transplant production, bed preparation, planting, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, and produce sales.
Farm visits: Visit small-farm operations around Indiana and learn about their approaches to food production.
Sustainable agriculture research: Explore opportunities to participate in research and experiments related to small-farm sustainability.
Community-supported agriculture (CSA): Learn how a farm connects production with marketing and local consumers through Purdue’s produce programs.
Internship opportunities: Explore undergraduate farm internships, including part-time and summer positions when available.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers managing sustainable farms, advising agricultural producers, supporting government extension services, and contributing to nonprofit organisations working on food and environmental challenges. The degree also provides a foundation for students who want to start their own farm or sustainable food business.

Potential career roles include Farm Manager, Crop and Pest Management Consultant, Agricultural Extension Educator, and Sustainable Agriculture Program Coordinator. Related opportunities may be available in food distribution, vegetable production, government agencies, and environmental organisations.

Students can prepare for their next step through Purdue’s career and professional-development resources:

College of Agriculture Career Services: Provides career planning support, job-search resources, and assistance with professional development.
Agriculture Internship and Job Board: Connects students and alumni with agriculture-related internships and employment opportunities.
College of Agriculture Career Fairs: Gives students opportunities to meet recruiters, submit résumés, and interview for internships and full-time positions.
Research and internships: Students can explore hands-on experience in agricultural research and practical work placements.
Employment outcomes: Purdue reports college-wide graduate employment and salary figures; major-specific salary and placement figures were not identified in the available official program information.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students may consider graduate study in sustainable agriculture, agroecology, horticulture, ecology, crop science, soil science, environmental science, or agricultural policy, depending on their interests and the entry requirements of the chosen program. Graduate study can support progression into specialised research, agricultural consultancy, environmental management, or policy-related roles.