Agroecology M.S.

Program Overview

Our fully online agroecology program — one of the only synchronous programs of its kind in the U.S. — 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.

Our curriculum integrates ecological science, participatory action research, and socio-cultural analysis.You'll work with internationally recognized faculty from UVM’s Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment and the Institute for Agroecology, as well as from international scholars, farmers, and social movement leaders. As part of a cohort, you’ll also learn from your peers, build strong professional networks, and collaborate with others working in food systems worldwide.

You'll graduate with the skills you need to support land-based communities, contribute to food sovereignty movements, and engage in research, education, policy, or practice.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Learn how this dynamic, solutions-oriented field is transforming farming, policy, research, and communities — in Vermont and around the world. 

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Curriculum

Based in the UVM Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment, the Master of Science in Agroecology is a dynamic, transdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to critically engage with and transform food systems through ecological, socio-cultural, and political lenses. 

Our curriculum is structured to guide you through a progressive learning journey — from foundational principles to advanced participatory research.

Course Catalogue

The curriculum includes a total of 30 credits, with 15 credits of required fully online synchronous coursework, 9 credits of electives, and a 6-credit master’s project, with options for full-time, part-time, and accelerated pathways. 

Students may elect to concentrate on one of several aspects of agroecology, including ecological and biophysical applications, policy and governance, research, or education. 

Required courses include: 

• Transformative Agroecology (ALE 6110)
• Ecological Foundations of Agroecology (ALE 6120)
• Participatory Action Research and Transdisciplinary Approaches (ALE 6130)
• Agroecology, Food Sovereignty, and Social Movements (ALE 6140)

• Mixed Methods in Agroecological Research (ALE 6041)

   

Elective courses can be drawn from UVM's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) and the College of Education and Social Services (CESS), and include:

• Climate Change and Just Transitions
• Ecological Economic Theory (NR 6140)
• Transdisciplinary Leadership and Creativity (NR 6720)
• Transdisciplinary Methods and Modes of Inquiry (NR 6730)
• Being and Building Beloved Community Learning Intensive (NR 6120)
• Intro to Interdisciplinarity (EDFS)
• Qualitative Research I (EDRM 6110)
• Critical Pedagogies (EDCI 6009)
• Modes of Inquiry: Critical, Decolonizing and Arts-Engaged Approaches to Research (EDFS 6140)

Deadlines

Fall 2026 start: applications are due July 15, 2026.

Fall 2027 start: applications are due January 15, 2027.

Applications are open and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Offers must be accepted within 30 days of the date on your acceptance letter.

Admissions

Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. GREs are not required. TOEFL scores are required for international students. Graduate College requirements must be met prior to consideration for the program. 

The University of Vermont Graduate College offers regular virtual information sessions. Sign up for one to learn more about the admissions process and the opportunities awaiting you here.

Outcomes

Graduates of the M.S. in Agroecology are prepared for leadership, research, and applied roles across food systems, environmental, and social change sectors. 

Common career pathways include:

• Research and applied research organizations
• Extension services and farmer outreach programs
• Education and higher education (teaching, program coordination, administration)
• Environmental, food systems, and social justice nonprofits
• NGOs and international development organizations
• Policy, planning, and public sector roles
• Program management and leadership positions within community-based organizations

The degree also serves as strong preparation for students considering future doctoral study, offering an opportunity to build advanced academic and research skills before committing to a Ph.D.

Costs and Funding

The master’s in agroecology uses a tiered tuition scholarship system to support interested applicants. To learn more about UVM tuition, please visit the Graduate College Tuition and Fees page of Student Financial Services website.

We recognize that the tuition of graduate programs, especially in the United States, can be cost-prohibitive for some students. The Institute for Agroecology is working to raise scholarship funds for our graduate programs. We will provide more information when and if they become available. If the program isn’t financially feasible for you at the moment, or you are interested in other educational opportunities, we encourage you to visit the IFA’s website to learn more about some low-cost or free options, including Power Up Seminars and noncredit participation in our core courses.
 

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FAQs

Questions about the program? Please visit our FAQs page for more information.