The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers a diverse selection of undergraduate majors and graduate programs that encompass everything from the study of cells to society. Whether your interest is in basic science, applied science or linking the applied to social science, our programs cover a broad range of topics in the agriculture and life sciences arena. CALS has six undergraduate departments, two programs that are shared with other UVM colleges and schools, as well as a self designed program.

Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department (ASCI)

The Animal and Veterinary Sciences program deals with a range of options from basic sciences through companion and zoo animal care to farm management. Although programs are highly individualized by students working with the advisors, there are four basic concentrations: Dairy Production, Equine Science, Zoo, Exotic, and Companion Animal, Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Professional Science.

  • Major: Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Sciences
  • Minor: Animal and Veterinary Sciences
  • Major Requirements

Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE)

The challenges affecting our communities and world are complex, interconnected and ever-changing, fueling the demand for professionals with a unique set of knowledge and skills. The Department of Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) uses economic, social, and environmental principles to identify community needs, analyze problems and advance sustainable solutions in partnership with organizations and communities.

  • Majors: Bachelor of Science in Community Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Community and International Development, Bachelor of Science in Public Communication, Bachelor of Science in Community-Centered Design
  • Minors: Green Building and Community Design, Applied Design, Community Entrepreneurship, Community and International Development, Consumer Affairs, Consumer and Advertising, and Public Communication
  • Major Requirements

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department (MMG)

  • Majors: Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics
  • Minors: Microbiology, Molecular Genetics
  • Major Requirements

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences shares this department with the College of Medicine (COM). Undergraduate studies are in CALS while graduate studies are in the COM.

Nutrition and Food Sciences Department (NFS)

Nutrition and food are central to many social issues our country is struggling to solve (diabetes, food-borne illness, food insecurity). With a solid grounding in basic science, food science and nutrition and their cultural contexts our graduates are primed to make a real difference in the world as policy shapers, dietitians, food product developers, physicians and more.

  • Major: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences
  • Minor: Nutrition and Food Sciences
  • Major Requirements

Plant Biology Department (PBIO)

Plant Biology is key to the future prosperity of the human population. In the same way that basic medical researchers seek clinical solutions to fundamental challenges in human health care, as plant biologists we seek to provide the insights that make it possible to feed, clothe, and shelter our ever-larger population in spite of intensifying environmental concerns, especially climate change. Today's students will make decisions critical to the future of our species, which must be informed by our insights into plants, the source of all sustenance.

Plant and Soil Science Department (PSS)

The department of Plant and Soil Science offers one major and five minors to undergraduate students.

  • Majors: Bachelor of Science in Agroecology and Landscape Design
  • Minors: Agroecology (formerly Ecological Agriculture), Soil Science, Sustainable Landscape Horticulture
  • Major Requirements

Self-Designed Major

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) offers each undergraduate student the opportunity to define a personalized program of study. This curriculum is entitled the "Self-Designed Major" program of study. When a student determines that their personal educational objectives fall either outside or between the curricula defined by departments and programs of the College, the student may wish to consider designing a Self-Designed Major.

Biochemistry Integrated Program (BICM)

  • Biochemists study the molecular interactions that guide many processes involved in living organisms. This involves exploring the underlying chemical and physical properties of these organisms, from metabolism and enzyme kinetics to gene transfection and cellular signaling. With the recent publication of the Human Genome and other discoveries describing the molecular basis of life, tremendous opportunities await those students with the right background and training in this field. Don't just watch the future of science: join us and become part of the community of scientists who are making it happen!
  • Major: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
  • Minor: Biochemistry
  • Major Requirements

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences shares this major with the College of Arts and Sciences

Biological Science Integrated Program (BISC)

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences shares this major with the College of Arts and Sciences

Food Systems

This interdisciplinary minor is supported by faculty and courses in Animal Science, Community Development and Applied Economics, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Plant Biology, and Plant and Soil Science.