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From Nutrition to Politics

Our food studies certificate at the University of Michigan-Dearborn prepares you to live and  work in a world where food is central to human health and well-being, cultural identity, public policy, and ecological sustainability. Food is a powerful force given that much of our lives are structured in and around obtaining, preparing, and sharing food with family, friends, and our community. 

Food also serves as an ideal focal point to demonstrate the deep connections and intersections between local and global forces, economic and social inequalities, race and gender, climate change and environmental sustainability, personal and public health, violent conflicts, and technology. The subject has special relevance because many of our students and their communities experience food insecurity and food-related health problems.

A Certificate in Food Studies allows students and community members to engage within and between multiple disciplines to begin the process of uncovering how these diverse threads are entangled. 

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$47,010 Median Salary

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,500 openings for agricultural and food science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$69,680 Median Salary

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,600 openings for dietitians and nutritionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$62,860 Median Salary

Health Education Specialists

Employment of health education specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 6,600 openings for health education specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$76,400 Median Salary

Agricultural and Food Scientists

Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,000 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,920 Median Salary

Chefs and Head Cooks

Employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 22,000 openings for chefs and head cooks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Tuition

Tuition and fees for certificate programs are updated and approved each year in June. Review the current schedule to estimate your costs.

Tuition and Fee Schedule

How to Apply

It is encouraged to apply as early as possible. To apply:

  • Complete and submit an Online Non-Degree Application - select "Certificates".
  • Submit official transcripts.

Completed non-degree applications will be accepted until midnight the day prior to the start of classes each semester.

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

The program is open to all undergraduate students at UM-Dearborn as well as non-degree seeking students with or without college degrees.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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