Associate in Applied Science in Food Studies (SPE)

Earn a bachelor's degree and/or an associate in applied science (AAS) degree in Food Studies. This program is open to adults, transfer students, and other nontraditional undergraduates. Explore the connections between food, culture, social policy, and the environment as you enter or advance your career in the food sector. Led by our expert faculty, explore subjects ranging from food systems and food media to global food security and public health issues like obesity and malnutrition.
New York City is your laboratory for learning, providing unparalleled opportunities to explore contemporary food issues. The city has one of the largest wholesale food markets in the nation and is headquarters to numerous NGOs with interests in food, health, and the environment. Internships, apprenticeships, self-directed learning, and other professional experiences let you apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. The Food Studies program also maintains collaborations with GrowNYC, Edible magazine, the Street Vendor Project, Family Cook Productions, the Restaurant Opportunities Center, and the James Beard Foundation.
A degree in food studies prepares you to begin or advance your career in the food sector, in areas including food policy research and advocacy, environmentally sustainable agriculture, urban policy analysis and management, food marketing and distribution, food media, public relations, business administration for governments and NGOs, culinary journalism, and food and culinary businesses. AAS students can also proceed to earn a BA or BS in Food Studies or a related discipline at The New School.

Complete the Required Essays
Essay 1: Personal Statement
In approximately 500 words, explain why you have decided to apply to the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students. Briefly describe your academic and/or professional accomplishments and why you would like to continue your education now. Finally, please include anything else you think is relevant for the Admission Committee to know.
Essay 2: Educational Goals and Outcomes
In approximately 500 words, state your academic and professional goals and describe what outcomes you anticipate at the completion of your degree. Discuss in detail how studying at The New School will enable you to realize these goals. Finally, to help us understand how you would approach your education, review the Current Course Offerings, and choose five courses you would like to take within the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students. Discuss how these courses will provide a good foundation for you and how they support your academic and professional goals.
Submit Your R'sum
Submit a one to two-page r'sum/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, published writing, volunteer/community work, professional networking, public speaking, and/or any other relevant experiences that may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
Consider Submitting a Letter of Recommendation
While a letter of recommendation is not required, applicants have the option to submit one if they wish. If submitting a letter of recommendation, the letter should come from an academic or professional reference who can attest to your potential for success in an undergraduate degree. Recommenders can submit recommendations online.
Submit Official Transcripts
All applicants must provide official high school and/or college transcripts from all institutions attended. Undergraduate applicants who have attended multiple high schools can submit only the graduating school's official transcript as long as all prior coursework is listed on that transcript.
First Year Applicants
First-year applicants must provide official high school and/or college transcripts. If you are currently in school, submit transcripts for all coursework taken to date. Transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Students can pursue either the IB Diploma Program (DP) or IB Career-related Program (CP). Applicants who are taking individual IB courses as a supplement to a national curriculum are permitted to pursue individual IB courses rather than the DP or CP.

Minimum required scores are:

TOEFL iBT 92
IELTS 7