Global Food, Health, and Wellness Minor

The global food and beverage industry is undergoing a major transformation — one that increasingly intersects with health and wellness. Saint Joseph’s Global Food, Health and Wellness minor is designed to give students that edge. With growing movements like “Food as Medicine” and rising awareness of social determinants of health, the ability to understand food systems in a global, cultural, and healthcare context is no longer optional — it’s essential. 

Through a focused and interdisciplinary selection of courses, this 12-credit minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how food and healthcare systems interact both in the United States and globally. Students explore the cultural, ethical and policy-driven dimensions of food and health, preparing them for impactful careers in healthcare, public policy, the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, and beyond.

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What is the Global Food, Health and Wellness Minor?

This minor provides a holistic understanding of global food and health systems. Whether working in healthcare, wellness, food marketing or pharmaceuticals, professionals must understand how nutrition, access, culture and global markets influence human health. With coursework spanning global food industry trends, international food marketing, healthcare and ethical debates around food access and equity, the minor builds critical thinking and cross-sector knowledge.

Many students decide to double major or add minors to their studies. Some common additional areas of study that the food marketing minor complements include art, communication studies, English, and health sciences. These majors can provide a pathway into the food marketing industry through nutrition, graphic design, journalism, and communications (public relations, advertising, marketing, etc.).

How will Saint Joseph's University Prepare Me for My Future Career?

Saint Joseph’s University provides students with a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills, understanding and hands-on experience throughout the program. 

As a student pursuing a food industry minor, you can expect to gain: 

  • Access to scholarships, co-ops and internships through the Academy of Food Marketing.
  • Attend trade shows and international food tours
  • Access to one of the largest repositories of food industry information in the world, including exclusive access to the Campbell’s Collaboration Center, a first-class learning environment for classes and meetings, industry lectures and other food industry events.
  • Gain first-hand experience from faculty experts
  • Network with industry professionals at the annual Food Industry Summit

Why Study Global Food, Health and Wellness in Philadelphia?

Saint Joseph’s University offers Philadelphia’s only food marketing program. The Philadelphia area is home to many leading food industry corporations and organizations, offering Saint Joseph’s graduates an opportunity to create connections and find new job opportunities in the food industry.

Curriculum & Coursework

View the required courses for this program in the academic catalog. 

Admission Information

To apply to Saint Joseph’s University, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

Learn more about admission requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.

Related Programs

Food Marketing

The food marketing department at Saint Joseph's University is led by faculty experts who have worked full-time in the food industry and have practical, first-hand experience. Saint Joseph’s University’s unique food marketing program is one of the first of its kind.

Health Sciences

The health sciences major and minor at Saint Joseph’s University provides a comprehensive foundation in natural sciences, public health, the healthcare system and social sciences. You will be introduced to a broad range of health issues and concepts, including healthcare management, legal and ethical concerns and environmental influences on health, nutrition, life cycle health, alternative medicine, diseases and complementary medicine.

Communication Studies

As a communication studies major, you will gain knowledge and experience to pursue a career in media, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, law, film and more.

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