Urban and Regional Planning, Food Systems Concentration, B.S.

Two students planting vegetables outside the greenhouse on campus.

Leading the Way Toward a Resilient Food Future

Are you passionate about creating a more just and sustainable food system? The Food Systems Concentration offers you the tools to critically explore how food is grown, processed, distributed, and consumed—and how these processes are shaped by social, political, economic, and environmental factors. You’ll dive into topics like community planning, land use, sustainability, and the geography of food insecurity while gaining a deeper understanding of how issues like race, class, and gender intersect with food access and equity. Through hands-on coursework, fieldwork, and internships, you’ll be prepared to develop strategies that make meaningful changes in food systems at the local, regional, and global levels. Whether you’re interested in urban agriculture, food justice advocacy, sustainable agriculture, or international food security, this concentration opens doors to careers in nonprofits, government agencies, and the private sector. If you’re ready to take on one of the most pressing challenges of our time, the Food Systems Concentration is a powerful place to start.

Program Highlights

  • Learn how food is produced and accessed globally, with focus on sustainability, resilience, and ethics
  • Address food inequities and gain tools to fight hunger and insecurity
  • Get real-world experience through internships and fieldwork
  • Prepare for careers in food policy, sustainable agriculture, community programs, or planning

Ready to Make a Difference in the World’s Food Systems?

Join us in shaping a sustainable, equitable future for global, regional, and local food systems. Start your journey today!

Transforming the Future of Food Systems: From Communities to the World

  • Campus Globe

    Global and Local Impact

    In this program, students explore how food systems work at multiple scales—from local community gardens to global supply chains. Students learn how public policies, climate change, and international trade shape what we eat and who has access to healthy, sustainable food. With this broad perspective, students are prepared to tackle real-world challenges and create solutions that make a difference—whether in their own communities or around the world.

  • Student in a GIS mapping class working at a computer, viewing a population-based map of cities and towns.

    Innovative Problem-Solving

    Through hands-on courses in geographic information systems (GIS), data analytics and visualization, land use planning, and spatial analysis, students develop in-demand skills to assess and address complex food system challenges. From mapping food access in underserved communities to evaluating the impacts of climate change on agriculture or designing sustainable land use strategies, graduates leave the program equipped with cutting-edge tools—and critical thinking—to drive meaningful, data-informed change in both local and global food systems.

  • Faculty member smiling with two students at commencement ceremony.

    Cross-Disciplinary Learning

    This concentration brings together perspectives from geography, sustainability, public health, economics, environmental science, and public policy, giving students a well-rounded and flexible understanding of food systems. By studying how food intersects with government decision-making, economics, public and environmental health, and social justice, students build strong critical thinking, systems analysis, and policy evaluation skills. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to adapt and thrive in a wide range of roles—whether shaping food policy, leading sustainability initiatives, or advocating for equitable food access.

What Can You Do with a Urban and Regional Planning, Food Systems Concentration, B.S.?

A B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning with a Food Systems Concentration prepares graduates for dynamic careers at the intersection of food, sustainability, policy, and community development. With a strong foundation in planning, public and economic policy, and systems thinking, graduates are well-equipped for many potential career options:

  • Food Policy Analyst
  • Community Food Program Coordinator
  • Food System Planner
  • Anti-Hunger Advocate
  • Farmland Conservation and Preservation Specialist
  • Community Nutrition Coordinator and Educator
  • Sustainable Agriculture Consultant
  • Urban Agriculture Coordinator
  • Urban and Regional Planner
Vibrant apples, oranges, and limes.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Food Systems Concentration trains students to critically evaluate key socio-spatial, economic, political, and environmental issues within the global, regional, and local food systems. By examining how such issues influence land stewardship, food production, processing, distribution, and consumption, and how food-related challenges found across the globe intersect with inequalities such as race, class, and gender, students will be equipped with the knowledge and the skills to develop and implement strategies to improve the sustainability of the local, regional, and global food system. Students in this concentration might pursue careers in the private sector, local and state government, or a non-profit organization, in the United States or internationally.

Regional Planning Foundation Courses - 19 Credits
Regional Planning Methodology Courses - 9 Credits

Required - 6 Credits

Choose One - 3 Credits

Regional Planning Required General Education Courses

Choose one of the following courses:

Food Systems Concentration - 12 Credits

Choose any two courses from the following:

Electives - Choose two courses from the following:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Learn From Experienced Faculty in Small Classes

Our faculty have a deep sense of pride in the work they do and are engaged in urban planning both inside and outside the classroom. Working with students, they provide research and advocacy on issues in the local community, such as developing a more bike-friendly Westfield and spearheading environmental stewardship initiatives in the Westfield River Watershed. For our faculty, urban planning is more than just an interest, it’s a life pursuit—and they instill that drive in their students.  

Faculty directory

A group of students take notes and look at maps while outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Urban and Regional Planning, Food Systems Concentration, B.S.