More than 750,000 Kentuckians are food insecure. You can help change that.

The Food Systems & Hunger Studies at University of Kentucky is a Full Time Certificate program offered at the university's main campus in Lexington, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 1 year. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.
About Certificate in Food Systems & Hunger Studies
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Food Systems & Hunger Studies at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Transfer Admission : Applicants who have attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Non-degree Admission: Applicants who are exchange or visiting students.
- Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet UK’s academic requirements for admission but do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement or the departmental specific requirements (such as certain SAT/ACT math scores for Engineering and Nursing).
- Students who are offered conditional admission because of English may either resubmit a higher TOEFL/IELTS score or enroll in UK's Center for English as a Second Language program. The duration of these courses will depend on placement test results and individual student progress. Upon successful completion of the English language course(s), the student will move seamlessly into a degree program at UK. This means no TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required if students complete CESL.
- Students who require a higher math score for Engineering may submit a higher score or switch their intended major to a program that does not have specific requirements.
- No additional application is required for Conditional Admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Food Systems & Hunger Studies
The Certificate in Food Systems and Hunger Studies provides students with a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding the impact of food systems on food security, hunger, and the overall health and wellness of a community. The certificate may be earned by undergraduate students in any college at the University of Kentucky. To satisfy the requirements of the certificate, students will complete 12-credit hours of coursework, maintaining a "C" or higher in all required certificate coursework.
Required Courses
-
SAG 210: Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems
3 hours, generally offered in fall semester -
DHN 318: Hunger, Food Behavior, and the Environment
3 hours, offered only in spring semesters, pre-req: DHN 101, DHN 212 or consent of instructor - DHN 319: Seminar in Hunger Studies
1 hour, offered only in spring semesters, pre-req: DHN 318 (can be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor
- DHN 320: Experiential Learning in Hunger Studies
2 hours, offered all terms, pre-req: DHN 318 (can be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor
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Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Food Systems & Hunger Studies at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Certificate in Food Systems & Hunger Studies at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK International Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common Application
2. $60 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 71 iBT, 543 IPT (UK administered)
- TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 105
5. Optional tests: ACT / SAT (M+CR) Scores
- ACT school code: 1554 | SAT school code - 1837
- Required for engineering programs and scholarships
Priority Deadline:
- December 1 for Fall semester (August start)
- October 15 for Spring semester (January start)
*Scholarship deadline for freshmen international undergraduate students is December 1.

United States of America, Lexington