Master of Science in Food Security

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
Tuition Fees (30-credits)	Travel
Student Fees	Lodging
Health Insurance	Personal Expenses

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.

American Univesity of Beirut