The Department of History and Geography began offering a special certificate in global foodways studies starting in the 2020 fall semester. This is an excellent addition to your portfolio and can help you find a job in a food-related industry. Although there are many food studies programs around the country at schools like the University of Oregon, University of Arizona, and George Mason University this is the first foodways study program in the University System of Georgia.
The requirements for the GCSU Global Foodways Program Certificate are 15-18 credit hours in approved foodways program courses that include: HIST 3400-Introduction to Global Foodways Studies; 9-12 hours of electives; and 3-6 hours of a capstone experience (internship). We are adding additional courses to the program schedule from different disciplines as we continue to build our offerings. Some courses in development are Food History & Culture of East Asia, Jewish Foodways, Pitmastery: Race & Barbecue in the Slave South, Mexican Foodways and Celebrations, and Foods of the Nuevo South.
So, why a certificate in foodways studies? Earning a certificate in foodways studies will help you find employment with government agencies dealing with food and agriculture issues, food-oriented non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work on sustainability and food security issues, and food processing, preparation, and distribution firms. Students can also focus on international and national food policy and local food governance systems and food enterprise management for careers. And there are many different career paths for students like:
- Documentary producer or director for food related films
- Culinary tourism
- Food studies academic careers
- Food research and development
- Work with farmers to bring their products to market
- Work to support agricultural biodiversity, sustainability, and independent farming
- Curate museum exhibits focused on food
- Program coordinator, Community agencies like food banks
- Community advocate for Non-profit food councils
- Agricultural market research analyst
- Social media-blogging, food-related online and print media, ‘influence marketing,’ and television
Undergraduate certificates may only be earned and will only be awarded in conjunction with a bachelor's degree. They will not be awarded as an independent credential.
Please contact Dr. Craig Pascoe for more information. craig.pascoe@gcsu.edu