Food Systems Coursework and Academic Programs
The Center leads courses, a certificate program, an MPH concentration, and opportunities outside the classroom that build on the Bloomberg School’s strong foundation in interdisciplinary public health.
Food systems courses taught by CLF incorporate community-based approaches and elevate diverse perspectives and voices in the classroom. Some are onsite in Baltimore and incorporate field trips and experiential learning, while others are online with interactive sessions and small group activities. See the course directory for current offerings.
For more information about the Center’s programs, explore the links below. Still have questions? Please contact Phil McNab, Education and Training Associate Director, at pmcnab1@jhu.edu.
Certificate in Food Systems, the Environment, and Public Health
The Certificate in Food Systems, the Environment and Public Health includes 18 credits of specialized coursework exploring how food shapes health, equity, and environmental sustainability. This certificate program is open to Johns Hopkins University degree students and non-degree professionals.
The first ever food systems academic program in an accredited school or program of public health, this certificate was recognized in 2017 by the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health award for innovative curricula.
Learn more about the Certificate in Food Systems, the Environment and Public Health in the JHU Catalogue.
MPH Concentration in Food Systems
The MPH concentration in Food Systems offers opportunities for deeper engagement beyond the coursework in our certificate program. Students in the MPH concentration will complete a capstone on a food systems topic and present their capstones along with their fellow food systems students at a special MPH Capstone seminar.
Learn more about the MPH Concentration in the MPH Program Guide.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
The Center offers opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to our research and practice work through capstone mentorship, practicums, and research assistant positions. See our current list of Food Systems Research and Project Ideas for Students.
Students who present their CLF-sponsored research at conferences or other events can apply for a CLF Science Communication Award to help cover travel costs.
We also host a variety of optional networking and enrichment activities throughout the year for students across JHU. Some activities are in-person in Baltimore, though many are online to allow all students engaged in food systems the opportunity to connect.
Degree Options and Student Support
Most of the students who specialize in food systems do so as part of their degree program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. However, students from across the University participate in our courses and academic programs, undertake food systems projects, and serve as research assistants. Our certificate program is also open to non-degree professionals seeking formal training in food systems.
The Center’s home department, Environmental Health and Engineering, offers several degree programs in environmental health with focused coursework in food systems. Limited departmental scholarships are available.
Applicants to the full-time MPH program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health are automatically considered for the Cynthia and Robert S. Lawrence Scholarship. This does not require a separate application. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a strong interest in food systems and a desire to engage with the CLF during their MPH studies. The award is administered by the MPH Office.
The School’s Bloomberg American Health Initiative supports MPH and DrPH fellows in focus areas such as Food Systems for Health and Environmental Challenges.
The Center for a Livable Future-Lerner Fellowship supports PhD students at Johns Hopkins University who are committed to building healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems.