All students must meet the Requirements for the Certificates of Graduate Study
Overview
Agroecology is an approach that seeks to integrate ecological science with other academic disciplines and knowledge systems to guide research and action towards the sustainable transformation of our current agrifood system. The Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology (CGSA) is a 15-credit program that can be completed within 1 year. The curriculum encourages students to integrate ecological, social, and economic perspectives in developing practical solutions to contemporary problems within our agrifood system. The fully prescribed coursework consists of an introductory residential/online hybrid course, 3 foundational online classes, and a final synthesis seminar course. Students will join yearly cohorts to build community and expand the network among program participants. The certificate is designed so that you can live in your own food shed while learning lessons that you can apply anywhere.
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology is managed by the Agroecology and Livelihoods Collaborative (ALC), within the Department of Plant and Soil Science, and is conferred by the Graduate School.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Certificate of Graduate Study
FOR CURRENT UVM STUDENTS: Students currently enrolled in a UVM master's or doctoral program must complete the online UVM Graduate Application. Letters of recommendation and transcripts are not required, and an application fee waiver can be provided.
FOR DUAL GRADUATE DEGREE/CERTIFICATE PROGRAM APPLICANTS: Students applying at the same time for a graduate degree program and a Certificate of Graduate Study at UVM must first complete the online UVM Graduate Application for the degree program. Once accepted into the degree program applicants can then log back into the portal and choose the option to apply as a certificate student. A fee waiver will be provided by the Graduate Admissions office.
FOR APPLICANTS TO CERTIFICATE PROGRAM: Applicants seeking to enroll in only a Certificate of Graduate Study program must complete the online UVM Graduate Application and all associated requirements. This application will need to include official transcripts from an accredited university as well as 3 letters of recommendation. A bachelor's degree is required for admittance. Note: GRE is not required for applicants only intending to complete the CGSA.
Minimum Degree Requirements
Students may earn the certificate either in conjunction with a UVM master’s or doctoral degree, or independent of a degree.
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology requires 15 graduate credits, made up of 5 core courses. They are distributed as follows:
| ALE 6110 | Introduction to Agroecology | 3 |
| ALE 6120 | Ecological Foundations of Agro | 3 |
| ALE 6130 | PAR & Transdiscipl Agroecology | 3 |
| ALE 6140 | Agroecol, Food Sov. & Soc Mov. | 3 |
| ALE 6150 | Agroecology Grad Capstone | 3 |
More information on the Certificate is available from the ALC website.