Honours Bachelor of Food Studies Program (H317)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

The first four-year Honours Bachelor of Food Studies degree in Canada combining culinary arts and a comprehensive food studies curriculum.

Program Overview

This program is eligible for an entrance scholarship.

Examine challenges facing the food system with a focus on justice and equity, sustainability and health while mastering various culinary techniques in the Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program. 

Full Description

Food choices now involve much more than what we will have for dinner. Chronic disease, waste, climate change, rapid urbanization, technological change, hunger, and inequity are issues everyone in the food sector must consider. In the Honours Bachelor of Food Studies (H317) program, you'll explore these issues with a focus on justice and equity, sustainability and health. 

This four-year program provides the food leaders of tomorrow with the skills, insights and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing industry. Graduates will be positioned to succeed in a wide range of food-related occupations, including roles in culinary, education, tourism, recreation, health, food security, sustainability, economic development, agriculture, public policy and research. There are growing opportunities for careers informed by both culinary experience and versatile critical thinking. 

In the classroom and beyond, students will be introduced to the vibrant world of food in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Students will participate in a paid co-op placement and community-engaged learning opportunities. 

George Brown College Chef School Student Standards and Expectations

Cooking up change-makers 

Note: George Brown College has adopted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative. As a result, we no longer have computer lab classrooms. For classes that require computers, students will need to bring their own laptops. Our Library Learning Commons offers open access computers as well as equipment that can be borrowed on a short-term basis. For more information, please contact The Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts at chcastudentsupport@georgebrown.ca

Your Field Education Options

Take part in a robust externship. The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies embraces experiential learning as a key component of the program delivery. There is a 14-week, 420-hour work-integrated learning opportunity between the second and third years. Students will also take field trips in the surrounding area and complete two 16-hour community-engaged learning placements as part of their coursework. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue independent industry work experience opportunities they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the program's learning outcomes. This valuable work experience can be added to your resumé.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College strives to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and customers.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies opens doors to diverse career pathways in the kitchen and beyond. Completion of this program will demonstrate your commitment to both culinary arts and understanding issues throughout the entire food system, distinguishing you from other chefs. The culinary skills you learn at George Brown are in demand by employers across Canada and internationally, and you will have the training to build a successful career at home and around the world.

While some degree graduates may start their careers in an entry-level position, they will have the knowledge and skills to advance their career pathways. Depending on the graduate’s focus and level of experience, possible career pathways include:

Employment Area

Possible Career Paths

Food services

  • caterer
  • executive chef, chef, sous chef, chef de partie
  • food blogger
  • food journalist
  • food product developer
  • food writer
  • market researcher
  • menu designer
  • sustainability officer

Community and non-profit organizations

  • campaign coordinator
  • community chef
  • community organizer
  • culinary consultant
  • farmers’ market coordinator
  • food justice educator
  • fundraiser
  • garden coordinator
  • grant writer
  • learning development specialist
  • outreach coordinator
  • policy analyst
  • program coordinator
  • researcher
  • urban agriculture coordinator

Government

  • policy development officer
  • program coordinator/manager
  • project coordinator/manager
  • public health promotions 
  • public health specialist
  • research analyst

Education

  • community workshop coordinator
  • learning garden coordinator
  • school food program coordinator

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this program will be prepared to continue their studies post-degree in master's programs in the fields of environmental studies, food policy, justice studies, public health, gastronomy, education, community development, communication and media studies.

Graduates may also be eligible for direct entry into the Culinary Arts – Italian, French Pastry programs, as well as the Food and Nutrition Management program.

Please contact the program co-ordinator for further information.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
 
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest alumni stories 

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