College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Type of Degree

M.S., Ph.D.

School or College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Area of Study

Food and agriculture

Program Format

Online, On-campus, Hybrid, Full-time, Part-time
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Program Overview

Graduate degrees in Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment (ALE) provide professional development for students who wish to continue their education after graduating from science-oriented programs, typically in earth, biological, or agricultural sciences.

ALE offers both Master's and Ph.D. programs that require the student to complete a research program and schedule of classes, designed by the student and their advisor, to support the research study. Each student will be further supported by a study committee comprised of faculty with expertise in relevant areas.  Research topics are generally supported by peer-reviewed grants and thus address important topics in Plant and Soil Science, Landscape Design and adjacent fields.  Our department provides excellence in education, research, and extension to foster environmentally, economically, and socially sound practices.

Prospective students should be in dialogue with prospective advisors before and during the application process. We encourage site visits prior to application and/or acceptance into the program. See the checklist below regarding contacting us prior to completing a formal application through the Graduate College.

For specific questions, please contact our department Graduate Program Coordinator by emailing Josef.Gorres@uvm.edu.

ALE also offers a new Master of Science in Agroecology that is fully online and synchronous. This unique program is supported by the faculty in ALE as well as those affiliated with the Institute for Agroecology. It is designed for working professionals seeking advanced training to address the urgent need for food systems transformation in response to climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and social inequities. This curriculum integrates ecological science, participatory action research, and socio-cultural analysis. Students in this program will work with internationally recognized faculty as well as with international scholars, farmers, and social movement leaders. As part of a cohort, students will also learn from peers, build strong professional networks, and collaborate with others working in food systems worldwide.

There is also a Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology, in collaboration with the Institute for Agroecology (IFA). This is a flexible, fully online, 15-credit program that provides participants with an in-depth overview of the field of agroecology, with an international focus, and at the graduate level. The program invites scholars and practitioners from all of the world to join our courses, as way to enrich co-learning and strengthen cultural competencies among practitioners. There is also the possibility to attain a graduate micro-certificate (9 credits). 

For questions or more information about the Agroecology M.S. or Certificate, please email ifa@uvm.edu. 

Deadlines

The departmental deadline for fall applications is January 15.

Admissions

  • Master's Program:
    • For Admission: An undergraduate major in an appropriate agricultural, environmental, biological, or physical science. Additionally,  some laboratory programs may have their own specific requirements.
    • For Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science: Satisfactory completion of one academic year of graduate study in the Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment, and a written or oral comprehensive examination. The decision on the type of comprehensive exam will be made by the major professor after consulting with the student.
  • Doctoral Program:
    • For Admission: A Master of Science degree in an appropriate agricultural, environmental, biological, or physical science. Additionally,  some laboratory programs may have their own specific requirements. Students must consult and familiarize themselves with their program requirements.
    • For Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy: Satisfactory completion of two academic years of graduate study in the Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment at the University of Vermont. With the approval of the dean of the Graduate College and the Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment, a master's degree may be accepted in partial fulfillment of this requirement. Satisfactory completion of a written and oral qualifying doctoral examination as prescribed by the department.
  • Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology

Before You Apply

  • Prepare your CV/Resume
  • Contact the departmental faculty member with whom you are interested in working. Include your CV/Resume with your email.
  • Note: it reduces your chances of connecting with new research opportunities when you send your email to all of our faculty; please focus on selecting a faculty member based on your research interests.
  • The departmental deadline for fall applications is January 15.
  • Summary Masters Requirements
  • Summary Ph.D. Requirements

Headshot of Eric Bishop von Wettberg in plaid shirt in front of yellow trees

Eric Bishop von Wettberg

Chair, Department of Animal and Veterinary Science Director, VT Agricultural Experiment Station Professor Faculty Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment

Eric.Bishop-Von-Wettberg@uvm.edu

Terence Bradshaw headshot

Terence Bradshaw

Chair of the Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment Director of the UVM Horticulture Research and Education Center Associate Professor

Terence.Bradshaw@uvm.edu

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Yolanda Fanslow Chen

Professor Faculty Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment

Yolanda.Chen@uvm.edu

Heather Darby

Heather Darby

Extension Professor Faculty Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment

Heather.Darby@uvm.edu

Joshua-Faulkner

Joshua Faulkner

Research Associate Professor Director, Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab Director, UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture Faculty Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment

joshua.faulkner@uvm.edu

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Josef Görres

Professor Ecological Soil Management

Josef.Gorres@uvm.edu

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Stephanie E. Hurley

Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Professor - Ecological Landscape Design Gund Institute for Environment Faculty Fellow

Stephanie.E.Hurley@uvm.edu

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V. Ernesto Méndez

Professor of Agroecology and Environmental Studies

Ernesto.Mendez@uvm.edu

Scott C. Merrill headshot

Scott C. Merrill

Research Associate Professor Managing Director, Social-Ecological Gaming & Simulation (SEGS) Lab UVM Faculty Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment Adjunct Professor, Food Systems at UVM

Scott.C.Merrill@uvm.edu

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Resources for Applicants

Graduate Faculty

Faculty MemberArea of ResearchContact Information
Eric Bishop von Wettberg  Genetics, Domestication, Crop Breeding, Legumes, GermplasmEric.Bishop-Von-Wettberg@uvm.edu
Terence BradshawTree Fruit, Viticulture, Integrated Pest ManagementTerence.Bradshaw@uvm.edu
Yolanda ChenInsect Ecology, Agroecology, Evolutionary Biology, Population GeneticsYolanda.Chen@uvm.edu
Heather DarbyAgronomic Crops, Soil Health, BiofuelsHeather.Darby@uvm.edu
Joshua FaulknerAgriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural hydrology, Soil and Water Resource Engineering   Joshua.Faulkner@uvm.edu
Josef GorresSoil Physical Properties and Fauna, Soil Ecological ManagementJosef.Gorres@uvm.edu
Stephanie E. HurleyLandscape Design, Stormwater Treatment, Ecological DesignStephanie.E.Hurley@uvm.edu
V. Ernesto MendezInternational Environmental Studies, Agroecology, Rural DevelopmentErnesto.Mendez@uvm.edu
Scott C. MerrillLandscape/Systems Ecology, Climate Change, Precision AgricultureScott.C.Merrill@uvm.edu
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