-
Certificate in Ecological Economics
-
Ecological Economics is a transdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between ecological and economic systems while working to solve humanity's current environmental challenges. It is based on the understanding that the economy 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 economic and ecological systems. Students will acquire a theoretical and pragmatic basis to carry these skills into the world of practice.
Required Core Courses
Ecological Economic Theory: 3 credits
Ecological economics is an ongoing effort to reconcile economic theory and policy with accepted knowledge from other disciplines. This foundational course develops (1) a core understanding of the basic tenants of neoclassical economic theory, (2) an interdisciplinary critique of economic behavior and production models, and (3) a transdisciplinary foundation for problem-solving in the context of the scale and complexity of 21st century social and environmental problems. Students research, write, and present a paper that meets an academic conference/journal standard of review. As a gateway course to the Graduate Certificate, weekly seminars build peer mentoring relationships and connections to the Gund Institute learning community.
Ecological Economic Methods: 3 credits
Ecological economics considers the human economy as embedded in a social system and constrained by the biophysical world. As such, problem definition, analysis, and synthesis draws from many disciplinary perspectives. This course reviews key analytical tools used by ecological economists, and then develops methods for interdisciplinary synthesis such as dynamic systems modeling, multi-criteria analysis, input-output analysis, and spatial modeling of ecosystem services. Students develop a model of coupled human-natural systems to investigate a current management or policy decision.
Ecological Economic Practice: 3 credits
The full problem-solving process includes both credentialled experts and experiential knowledge in defining, analyzing, synthesizing, and communicating solutions. This hands-on course brings together students, faculty, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to address a specific local, regional or global environmental problem. The problem for each semester is chosen in collaboration with a sponsor, and often involves an intensive workshop known as Gund ateliers (see past ateliers). Students learn to apply the principles and methods of ecological economics to messy, complex, real-world problems. Outcomes include collaborative research papers, grant proposals, and policy/management support.
Required Competencies
Required Competencies ensure that students gain a background in social and natural sciences analysis, synthesis, and communication. Students must demonstrate competency in four areas: Natural Science, Social Science, Management and Quantitative Methods. Two of the competencies (6 credits) are taken as electives through certificate course work at UVM. The remaining two competencies are typically demonstrated as pre-requisites prior to enrolling in the certificate by appropriate graduate coursework at UVM or elsewhere, or by life experience. If prerequisites are not met prior to application, a student may be provisionally admitted with the understanding that the prerequisite(s) be taken at UVM prior to completion of the certificate.
