Information for Prospective Students
Welcome
to the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences! Our goal is to help students identify an
appropriate major and realize their educational aspirations. While the
University of Vermont is a sometimes considered a large institution,
CALS prides ourselves on the small college "feel" that we facilitate by
making students our number one priority.
We believe that the process of education and advising begins in our communication with prospective students and their families. Below are links to sites that will inform you about College and University life, the process for becoming a UVM Student, how to visit campus and other related concerns.
Please be assured that the
CALS Student Services Office is here to help you with your college
education at UVM. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Overview
CALS is one of seven academic units offering undergraduate degrees at UVM. CALS programs emphasize the life sciences, agriculture and food systems, environmental stewardship and the preservation of healthy, rural communities. Students in the CALS learn how to make a difference in our changing world. Rigorous course work, research in state-of-the-art labs, hands-on experiences, and relevant internships provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to solve important societal problems and ensure a more sustainable planet. Award-winning faculty in the College promote high standards and encourage educational excellence that will serve students throughout their professional careers.
The College is recognized for its commitment to student advising and promotes significant student-faculty interaction. We believe that advising is important to a student's success, so each undergraduate gets individual attention from his or her advisor. Advisors provide a broad range of support, helping students develop high-quality academic programs as well as guidance in career choices later on. Each first-year student is also introduced to the campus and to college life through our acclaimed, two-semester course called Foundations.
Flexibility, Individuality
The College is divided into six departments, offering Bachelor of Science degrees in sixteen majors. We encourage students to tailor their academic programs to fit their individual interests, needs and goals. Students may choose to add a minor to their degree programs, but it is not required. Qualified students have the option of a self-designed major. Entering students unsure of which academic path to follow can apply as "Undecided" as they explore the college's many programs. Students generally have flexibility within their required curricula to explore electives across campus.
Your Course of Study
Students at UVM need 120 credits and a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher to graduate with a four year degree. In addition to meeting the requirements of a specific major, faculty have identified competencies that they feel are important to the success of all students in CALS. These are called CALS Core Competencies. As part of all students’ 120 credit program of study, the University requires two 3 credit Diversity Courses.Honors Program
The CALS Honors program is part of the combined University Honors College. Honors students are admitted into the joint program and do honors work with students from all departments on campus in their first two years. In their junior and senior years students will do honors work in CALS as part of the CALS Honors program.Established in 2001, the Honors program brings together a small group of students from throughout CALS who seek additional academic challenges and opportunities to think critically across traditional academic boundaries. The centerpiece of the program is the senior honors thesis, a substantial, original, independent, scholarly work which is completed under the direction of an advisor within the student's major. For more information, please contact Brenda Tessmann, Director at (802) 656-8254.
A World of Opportunities
CALS encourages students to pursue academic opportunities beyond the classroom. Programs are enhanced by on-campus facilities, modern laboratories, and undergraduate research for which the College is renowned. In addition, options abound for off-campus internships, independent study, and study abroad. Students ready for greater challenge may also pursue undergraduate research opportunities.
Prepare to Make a Difference
Graduates of CALS may continue with advanced study in human and animal medicine, education, industry and research, for example. They are also prepared to work in such fields as dietetics, horticulture, landscape design, biotechnology, international and rural development, ecological agriculture, equine management, organic farming, and environmental policy.
If you would like more specific information, contact the Dean’s office.
If you would like to schedule a personal tour of the College and UVM
campus, please contact the UVM Admissions
office.
Academic Departments and Program Contacts
| Animal Science Dr. Andre-Denis Wright Terrill Hall (802) 656-2070 Biochemistry Dr. Sylvie Doublie, Co-Director Given E Building (802) 656-9531 Biological Science Dr. Donald Stratton, Co-Director Jeffords Hall (802) 656-9371 Community Entrepreneurship, Community and International Development, & Public Communication Dr. Jane Kolodinsky, Chair Morrill Hall (802) 656-2001 Environmental Sciences Dr. Donald Ross, Co-Director Jeffords Hall (802) 656-0138 Environmental Studies Elizabeth (Ibit) Getchell, Student Services Coordinator Bittersweet House (802) 656-0176 or (802) 656-4055 |
Microbiology / Molecular Genetics Nutrition & Food Sciences,
& |
Last modified October 12 2011 10:23 AM