Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems (SFBS)

An interdisciplinary program from the Colleges of Agriculture and Education, Health and Human Development.

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The Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems (SFBS) B.S. degree program is an exciting, innovative interdisciplinary program from Montana State University that promotes the sustainable production, distribution, and consumption of food and bioenergy. You will experience collaborative learning, directed coursework, and hands-on training as you progress through one of four program options:

  • Sustainable Food Systems Option
    Topics include food preparation and processing, distribution, nutrition and health, food access and policy.
  • Sustainable Crop Production Option
    Topics include agronomy, crop production, soils, horticulture, pest management, and greenhouse production.
  • Agroecology Option
    Topics include agroecosystem management, environmental policy making, applied ecology, climate change, and current issues at the intersection of agriculture and the environment.
  • Sustainable Livestock Production Option

Students in all four SFBS options take a core curriculum of six courses designed to provide broad exposure to key principles of sustainable food and bioenergy systems. In addition, coursework in each option is specifically designed to create more detailed and subject-specific knowledge in your area of specialization. Students take complementary coursework in political science, economics, business, Native American studies, and engineering. Two internships allow you to gain exposure to 1) hands-on learning in market garden agronomy and food distribution, and 2) an in-depth internship with an experienced mentor in your chosen career field. 

 

SFBS Required Courses

  • SFBS 146: Introduction to Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems
  • SFBS 296/SFBS 298: Towne’s Harvest Practicum/Internship OR ANSC 498: Practicum
  • SFBS 327: Measuring Innovation in Food Systems
  • SFBS 466: Food System Resilience, Vulnerability and Transformation
  • SFBS 498: SFBS Internship OR ANSC 498: Internship
  • SFBS 499: Senior Thesis/Capstone

The SFBS Program at Montana State University combines classroom learning, research opportunities, and meaningful field experiences to prepare the next generation of leaders to take their places in the future of food and energy production in Montana and beyond.

 

Videos

Planting Seeds: Towne's Harvest Garden

PLANTING SEEDS: Towne's Harvest Garden at MSU from Partnership Productions on Vimeo.

SFBS: What is a Food System?

SFBS: What is a Food System? on Vimeo.

SFBS Seminar Series #1: Local Chefs, Local Food

SFBS Seminar Series #1: Local Chefs, Local Food

SFBS 2015 Seminar Series #1 on Vimeo.

SFBS 2015 Seminar Series #1 on Vimeo.

SFBS: What is the Future of Agriculture?

SFBS: What is the Future of Agriculture? on Vimeo.              

SFBS: Towne's Harvest Garden Practicum

SFBS: Towne's Harvest Garden Practicum on Vimeo.

SFBS 499: Capstone Presentation- A Proposal for the Bobcat Food Pantry

SFBS 499: Capstone Presentation on Vimeo.

SFBS: Challenges for Young Farmers

SFBS: Challenges for Young Farmers on Vimeo.                  

SFBS: Internships              

SFBS: What is a Food System? on Vimeo.