All students must meet the Requirements for the Certificates of Graduate Study
Overview
Ecological Economics examines the relationships between ecological, social, and economic systems while working to solve humanity's environmental challenges. It is based on the understanding that the socio-economic system is a subsystem of a larger ecological life support system, and it strives to create an ecologically sustainable, socially equitable, and economically efficient future. The certificate is a problem-based, interdisciplinary program focused on developing a practical framework for integrating socio-economic and ecological systems. Students will acquire a theoretical and pragmatic basis to carry these skills into the world of practice.
The Ecological Economics Certificate of Graduate Study is managed jointly by the Rubenstein School and the Gund Institute, and is conferred by the Graduate School.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study in Ecological Economics
FOR CURRENT UVM STUDENTS: Students currently enrolled in a graduate program must complete the online UVM Graduate Application.
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 THE 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. Note: You must have completed an advanced degree (Master's, Ph.D., or J.D.) to apply for just the certificate and the GRE is not required.
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 Ecological Economics requires 15-21 credits, including 3 core courses and 2 approved electives. Students must also demonstrate competency in 4 areas: Natural Science, Social Science, Management, and Quantitative Methods. 2 of the competencies must be satisfied through 2 elective courses (6 credits) at UVM. The remaining 2 competencies may be satisfied through additional electives, through appropriate prior graduate course work, or through life experience.
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Ecological Economics requires 15 graduate credits that must be taken at UVM. They are distributed as follows1.
| 3 core courses (9 credits total) must be taken at UVM while enrolled in the program: | ||
| NR 6410 | Ecological Economic Theory | 3 |
| CDAE 6510 | Research & Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| CDAE 6990 | Special Topics (Ecological Economics Applications) | 3 |
| Below are examples of courses that could be taken to meet the 4 competencies. At least 6 credits toward competencies must be taken at UVM while enrolled in the program | ||
| Natural Science: | ||
| ALE 6110 | Introduction to Agroecology | 3 |
| Social Science: | ||
| CDAE 6540 | Advanced Microeconomics | 3 |
| FS 6400 | Food Systems & Society | 3 |
| PA 6110 | Policy Analysis&Program Eval | 3 |
| Management: | ||
| PA 6170 | Systems Anly & Strategic Mgmt | 3 |
| Quantitative Methods: | ||
| STAT 5210 | Advanced Stat Methods & Theory | 3 |
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The 15 credits that need to be taken at UVM may be earned either in conjunction with or independent of a UVM graduate degree program.
More information on the Certificate is available from the Gund Institute website.