Description and Objectives
The MS in Food Security provides students with a foundation of knowledge in the core areas of food security; how availability, accessibility, appropriate utilization and stability of food are achieved; and how these can be aligned and achieved through coherent policies and sound programs. Building on this foundation, students then explore the multiple dimensions and disciplines of food security in greater depth. Coursework, seminars, and research activities challenge students to refine and apply their analytical skills, with a focus on the responsible application of gained knowledge. Students are equipped to start careers with governmental, non-governmental, and multilateral organizations, or to pursue further academic work. Click to view the brochure for the MS in Food Security in PDF format.
Program Learning Outcomes
The MS in Food Security is buillt around 10 program learning outcomes (PLOs), reflecting the core knowledge and skills that individuals will develop through the completion of MS degree.
- Explain the dimensions of food security (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability) and the relationships between them
- Discuss the linkages between food security and wider socio-economic development in the context of the MENA region (e.g., health, education, rural development, energy use, climate change, agri-food production)
- Relate food security to political, cultural, gender, and ethical issues, including the broader human rights debate on the right to food
- Communicate effectively on the issue of food security, from its relevance for social and political stability in developing countries to the interpretation of research findings, to diverse institutional and community audiences
- Assess food security strategies, policies, programs, and their implementation in developing countries and the MENA region
- Design evidence-based food security strategies specific to regional or national needs
- Align food security strategies with government or agency objectives and the external environment
- Apply appropriate research methodologies, including organizational and multidisciplinary approaches, to examine food security-related issues
- Formulate implementation and dissemination plans for food security strategies by partnering with community groups, small businesses, producers’ organizations, health professionals, universities, and government agencies to address food insecurity
- Utilize sound techniques to monitor and evaluate food security strategies, policies, and programs
MS Curriculum
The MS in Food Security requires completion of a total of 30 credits, including six (6) required courses. Candidates for the MS in Food Security degree have the option to select a thesis or non-thesis program of study. Thesis students must complete 15 credits of required core courses, 9 credits from approved elective courses (at least 6 credits within FAFS), and 6 credits of thesis. Non-thesis students must complete 15 credits of required core courses, 12 credits from approved elective courses (at least 6 credits within FAFS), and 3 credits of project. In addition, all students must pass a comprehensive examination.
Students may opt to earn a further specialization in one of the following three areas: rural development; economics and policies; or food production and consumption. For thesis students, specialization is earned through completion of one FAFS elective in the desired area and focus of the thesis. For non-thesis students, specialization is earned through completion of three FAFS electives in the desired area and focus of the project.
In addition, all students must pass a comprehensive examination.
Required Courses
| Credit Hours |
---|
FSEC 300 | Food Security: Challenges and Contemporary Debate
This course introduces concepts and principles of food security, namely availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability of food supply. Students are familiarized with the history of thought on food security, from Malthus to the Green Revolution to Sen and the inclusion of political and social factors in considering food security.
Course syllabus is available online, click here. | 3
|
FSEC 305 | Agriculture: Technology, Supply Chains, Sustainability
This course provides an understanding of sustainable agricultural production through a value-chain approach as it relates to production and productivity, water and soil management, technology and post-harvest practices; with special application to the dry lands of the Middle East and North Africa region.
Course syllabus is available online, click here.
| 3
|
FSEC 310 | Nutrition Security: Assessment and Intervention Strategies
This course introduces students to basic principles of nutrition security, community nutrition, and nutritional ecology; and highlights the role that nutrition plays in improving the health and wellbeing of communities. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to conduct population-based nutrition research, assess the nutrition needs of a population; to plan, implement, and evaluate community nutrition programs and policies drawn from evidence-based practice and taking into consideration cultural, social, and contextual dimensions.
Course syllabus is available online, click here.
| 3 |
FSEC 315 | Food Policies and their Planning Process
This course builds knowledge of the food system from local planning and policy and applied economic perspectives. The course familiarizes students with key players and issues related to the practice of food system planning (the process and practice of creating and implementing food policies), how this practice interfaces with the economy, and how to place these issues in a global context.
Course syllabus is available online, click here.
| 3
|
FSEC 320 | Graduate Seminar in Food Security
This course provides a forum for exchange of experiences and knowledge sharing. Students will participate in field trips, complete individual tasks and projects related to food security issues in the Middle East North Africa and the broader developing country context, and present and discuss findings.
Course syllabus is available online, click here.
| 0 |
FSEC 325 | Statistical Methods in Agriculture
An investigation of the statistical techniques needed to design experiments and analyze and interpret agricultural research data. Cross-listed as AGSC 301 / RCOD 343. Prerequisites: STAT 210 or EDUC 227 and CMPS 209. Fall and spring.
Course syllabus is available online, click here.
| 3 |
FSEC 396 | Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
FSEC 397
or
FSEC 399
| Project
or
MS Thesis * Students enrolled in the MS in Food Security degree program effective the fall 2018 term are required to complete a thesis equivalent to 6 credits. Students enrolled prior to that time are required to complete a thesis equivalent to 9 credits.
| 3
or
6
|
Elective Courses
The following list reflects suggested elective courses that have been offered in recent semesters, and is illustrative only. An updated list of suggested electives will be provided to enrolled students on a semester-by-semester basis. The listing and availability of elective courses is subject to change based on course offerings. Course descriptions, including the usual semester of delivery, can be found in
the AUB graduate catalogue.
Suggested Electives
| Credit Hours |
---|
Rural Development Specialization
|
AGSC 384 | Political Economy of Middle East Development
(formerly Rural Social Change, Development, and the Environment) | 3 |
NFSC 306 | Community Nutrition: Research and Intervention | 3 |
RCOD 341 | Rural Community Development, Theory and Practice | 3 |
RCOD 342 | Qualitative Methods
| 4 |
Economics and Policies Specialization |
AGSC 376
| Resource and Environmental Economics | 3 |
AGSC 389 | Research Methods in Applied Economics
| 3 |
ECON 342 | Options and Derivatives Instruments | 3 |
ENSC 630
| Natural Resource Management | 3 |
FSEC 306
| Indicators and Tools for Measuring Food Security
| 3
|
PPIA 301 | Public Policy
| 3 |
PPIA 305 | Economics for Public Policy | 3 |
PPIA 309 | Evidence Policy and Communication | 3 |
PSPA 316 | International Environmental Policy
| 3 |
PSPA 352 | Foundations of Public Policy | 3 |
PSPA 361 | Public and Non-Profit Program Evaluation
| 3 |
Food Production and Consumption Specialization |
AGSC 389 | Research Methods in Applied Economics | 3 |
CIVE 648 | Climate Change and Water Resources | 3 |
LDEM 635 | The Political Ecology of Water | 3 |
NFSC 351 | Food Safety: Contaminants and Toxins
| 3 |
Career Opportunities
The MS in Food Security is open to recent graduates and mid-career professionals.
Recent graduates may benefit from additional knowledge relevant to the work of government ministries, consultancy-based
organizations, or non-governmental organizations working to tackle hunger, poverty, human nutrition, and natural resource
management.
Mid-career professionals may benefit from exposure to the latest thinking in the field of food security, including important
research and applied developments since the 2008 food crises and the Arab Spring. Professionals benefit from studying in a context
that is grounded in the challenges and issues of relevance to the MENA region, and from learning alongside faculty and colleagues
who are focused on challenges similar to the ones they face.
Cost of Attendance
The estimated costs of completing the 30-credit MS in Food Security are as shown in the table. Tuition costs are charged per credit hour, according to the rates established by the
Office of the Comptroller. Additional costs of student attendance may include travel, lodging, and personal expenses, which may vary based on student preferences and needs. For more information on estimated costs of attendance, please consult the
Office of Financial Aid or use the
Office of Admissions tuition calculator.
Mandatory Costs
| Additional Costs
|
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| Travel
|
Student Fees
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Lodging
|
Health Insurance
| Personal Expenses
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The Food Security Program is implementing AUB's new Graduate Fellowship and Assistantship Program (GFAP) policy. Under the GFAP, eligible students may benefit from tuition assistance equivalent to up to 18 credits. GFAP awards are allocated on a competitive basis and subject to student merit and qualifications, departmental needs, and availability of funds. For more information about student eligibility and tuition covarage, click here.
Applications for the MS in Food Security for fall 2021-22
will be accepted until March 18, 2021.
Find the application form online.