Academic Programs

Why Choose Food Studies?      

Food is central to human life. The Food Studies Program at the University of Oregon developed out of a growing recognition that an integrated perspective on food matters is vital to developing fuller understandings of complex food-related issues.


The idea for the Food Studies Program came about in 2011 when, following a powerful Food Justice Conference at the UO’s Wayne Morse Center, more than a dozen faculty and graduate students met to discuss strategies for harnessing the momentum on our campus around food issues. It was quickly acknowledged that many of the existing food studies programs in the US focus on the fields of gastronomy, agriculture, and nutrition, while relatively few have the kind of breath and depth of expertise represented on our campus.

Also in 2011, an interdisciplinary research group, Food in the Field, emerged with the support of the Center for the Study of Women in Society. The group has hosted numerous work-in-progress talks and receptions for visiting food scholars on diverse topics that spanned the globe from prehistory to the present.


person working at the Urban Farm

Minor in Food Studies

Food studies minors can select courses from several departments to learn about food from varied perspectives. Students can also take advantage of a range of exciting learning experiences, such as working at the UO Urban Farm or helping with local community hunger and relief efforts. Undergraduates in food studies take a capstone seminar prior to graduation, which gives them the chance to delve deeper into the topic.


Earn a Graduate Specialization

Graduate students in other UO departments may pursue a graduate specialization in food studies.

Specialization Requirements


Katie Guerra

“After taking a few food studies-related classes, I recognize the role I play within an industrialized food system and the ways to eat around this system and have a more sustainable diet. I find myself wanting to seek out sustainable and organic brands not only for my own health but for the health of the environment. 

With a food studies minor, I see it helping me see if I want to work or build my own agricultural business. As I am still young, my options are open; however, this is definitely a path that I plan to continue to explore and narrow down as I continue with the program.”

—Katie Guerra, business, food studies minor, ’28 


What You Can Do with a Minor in Food Studies

A food studies minor can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn more about alumni careers and find resources to help you take the next steps.

Explore Careers


Events

Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
Jan15
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair Jan 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
"Strengthening Interdisciplinary Connections: Ecology and Landscape Architecture" with Natalia Echeverri
Jan15
"Strengthening Interdisciplinary Connections: Ecology and Landscape Architecture" with Natalia Echeverri Jan 15 Lawrence Hall
Lecture: Exploring Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes
Jan15
Lecture: Exploring Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes Jan 15 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
Introduction to Zotero (Workshop)
Jan16
Introduction to Zotero (Workshop) Jan 16 Knight Library
The Revolution will be Branded: Cultural Brokers and the Fight for Cuban Authenticity - A Book Talk with Chris Chávez
Jan16
The Revolution will be Branded: Cultural Brokers and the Fight for Cuban Authenticity - A Book Talk with Chris Chávez Jan 16 Knight Library
Department of History Diversity Open House
Jan16
Department of History Diversity Open House Jan 16 McKenzie Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan21
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 21 McKenzie Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together
Jan21
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together Jan 21 Susan Campbell Hall
How to: Interview (Workshop)
Jan21
How to: Interview (Workshop) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Writing in East Asia Info Session
Jan21
Writing in East Asia Info Session Jan 21 McKenzie Hall