The University of Vermont

Information for Prospective Students

ZhongZong Pan (right) and graduate student Sivashankar Ramakrishnan's research findings in mammary gland biology have applications both in lactation physiology of dairy cows and to breast cancer in humans.  Mature ginkgo trees are part of the research and beauty of the UVM campus.  A UVM student is doing dairy chores at the Hardacre Center.  Feng-Qi Zhao's research on the genetic factors that lead to tumor development has possible implications for causes of and cures for breast cancer.

Welcome to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)! 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, we pride 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. These pages provide links to sites that will inform you about College and University life, the process for becoming a UVM Student, how to vist campus and other related concerns.

Please be assured that the CALS Student Services Office is here to help you begin your college education at the Unversity of Connecticut. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Overview

CALS is one of seven academic units offering undergraduate degrees at the University of Vermont. CALS programs emphasize the life sciences, agriculture and food systems, environmental stewardship and the preservation of healthy, rural communities. Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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 the University of Vermont need 122 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 the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  These are called CALS Core Competencies. As part of all students’ 122 credit program of study, the University requires a 3 credit diversity course and 2 credits of physical education.

A World of Opportunities

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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 the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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 at: (802) 656-3370.

Majors and Concentrations

Animal Science
  • Dairy Production
  • Equine Science
  • General Animal Science
  • Pre-professional / Pre-veterinary
Microbiology
Biochemistry Molecular Genetics
Biological Science Nutrition and Food Sciences
Community Entrepreneurship Plant Biology
  • Evolution and Ecology of Plants
  • General Botany
  • Plant Molecular Biology
Community and International Development Public Communication
Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Science Sustainable Landscape Horticulture
Ecological Agriculture Self-Designed Major
Environmental Sciences
  • Agriculture and the Environment
  • Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
  • Ecological Design
  • Environmental Analysis and Assessment
  • Environmental Resources
  • Enviromental Biology
  • Enviromental Chemistry
  • Enviromental Geology
  • Water Resources
Undecided
Enviromental Studies

Minors


  • Animal Science
  • Applied Design
  • Biochemistry
  • Community and International Development
  • Community Entrepreneaurship
  • Consumer Affairs
  • Consumer and Advertising
  • Ecological Agriculture
  • Enviromental Studies
  • Food Systems
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Nutrition and Food Sciences
  • Plant and Soil Science
  • Plant Biology
  • Soil Science
  • Sustainable Landscape Horticulture
  • Sustainable Agriculture

Academic Departments and Program Contacts

Animal Science
Dr. Thomas McFadden, Chair
Terrill Hall
(802) 656-0155
Thomas.McFadden@uvm.edu

Biochemistry
Dr. John Burke & Dr. Chris Landry, Co-Directors
Stafford Hall
(802) 656-8503
John.Burke@uvm.edu

Biological Science
Dr. David Kerr & Dr. Eugene Delay, Co-Directors
Terrill Hall
(802) 656-2113
David.Kerr@uvm.edu
IntegratedBioSci@uvm.edu

Community Entrepreneurship,
Community and International Development, &
Public Communication

Dr. Jane Kolodinsky, Chair
Morrill Hall
(802) 656-2001
Jane.Kolodinsky@uvm.edu

Environmental Sciences
Dr. Donald Ross, Co-Director
Hills Building
(802) 656-0138
Donald.Ross@uvm.edu

Environmental Studies
Ibit Getchell, Student Services Coordinator or
Dr. Ian Worley, Director
Bittersweet Building
(802)656-0176 or (802)656-4055
Elizabeth.Getchell@uvm.edu
Ian.Worley@uvm.edu
Microbiology / Molecular Genetics
Dr. Douglas Johnson or Brenda Tessmann
Stafford Building
(802)656-8203 or (802)656-8254
Douglas.Johnson@uvm.edu
Brenda.Tessmann@uvm.edu

Nutrition & Food Sciences / Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Sciences
Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, Chair
Carrigan Wing, Marsh Life Science Building
(802) 656-3374
Jean.Harvey-Berino@uvm.edu

Ecological Agriculture/Sustainable Landscape Horticulture
Dr. Deborah Neher, Chair  or  Dr. Mark Starrett
Hills Building
(802) 656-0474 or (802)656-0467
Deborah.Neher@uvm.edu
Mark.Starrett@uvm.edu

Plant Biology
Dr. Thomas Vogelmann, Chair
Marsh Life Science Building
(802) 656-2930
Thomas.Vogelmann@uvm.edu

Self-Designed Major
Contact the Student Services Office
(802) 656-2980

Undecided
Rose Laba, Student Services Specialist
CALS Dean's Office
Morrill Hall
(802) 656-0289
Fax: (802) 656-0290
Rose.Laba@uvm.edu


Last modified August 30 2007 10:23 AM

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