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

Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: A Talk with Author Dean Spade on “Love in a F*cked-Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together"
May23
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: A Talk with Author Dean Spade on “Love in a F*cked-Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together" May 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Spring Ring Lecture
May23
Spring Ring Lecture May 23 McKenzie Hall
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May23
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 23 Miller Theatre Complex
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May24
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 24 Miller Theatre Complex
Cinema Studies Presents: "Building a Future in Filmmaking A Discussion with Recent Cinema Studies Grads"
May25
Cinema Studies Presents: "Building a Future in Filmmaking A Discussion with Recent Cinema Studies Grads" May 25
Department of History Coffee Hour
May27
Department of History Coffee Hour May 27 McKenzie Hall
The Center of the World: A Global History of the Persian Gulf
May27
The Center of the World: A Global History of the Persian Gulf May 27 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
The Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: “Double Crossover”: Book Launch and Reception with Courtney M. Cox
May29
The Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: “Double Crossover”: Book Launch and Reception with Courtney M. Cox May 29 Ford Alumni Center
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival
May30
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival May 30 Lawrence Hall
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May30
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 30 Miller Theatre Complex