All students must meet the Requirements for the Certificates of Graduate Study
Overview
The graduate certificate program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and competencies to transform food systems and society through agroecology. Rooted in theory from popular education and Participatory Action Research (PAR), the programs examine potential pathways, through agroecology, towards the transformation of food systems by integrating political, economic, social, and ecological perspectives.
The Institute for Agroecology’s courses use interactive and creative approaches to teaching that generate dynamic learning communities amongst diverse cohorts of students, with participants from different geographies around the world. Through case studies, exploring the latest theoretical approaches, hearing from leading agroecologists, and opportunities to apply learning both individually and collectively, the program aims to inspire, inform and prepare students to become agents of change for a more just and sustainable food system.
Rooted in “Participatory Action Research” (PAR), the Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology guides students to identify key questions and practice new methods for integrating data from multiple perspectives (farmers, academics, activists, policymakers, etc.). This is used to both better understand agrifood system issues, as well as search for solutions that show real promise to help resolve issues on the ground.
The fully prescribed coursework consists of four semester-long courses including the Transformative Agroecology course (ALE 6110), three foundational classes (ALE 6120, ALE 6130, ALE 6140); and a final capstone course, designed for the application of newly developed knowledge and skills in a culminating experience/project that addresses an agroecological topic relevant to the individual student.
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology is managed by the UVM Institute for Agroecology (IFA) 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:
| Requirement Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ALE 6110 | Transformative 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 |
Course substitution requests may be submitted to Faculty Director for consideration and approval. More information is available on the UVM Institute for Agroecology website.