Applicants need not have majored in science to be considered.
Application Deadline
Applications submitted by February 15 will receive full consideration. Applications submitted after that date will be considered as space allows. Offers of admission are typically extended by the first week of April, except in the case of “alternates.” On rare occasions, an applicant offered admission chooses to go elsewhere. To address that possibility, we may sometimes select promising alternates for an entering class.
Application Materials
Application materials and information can be found on the Graduate Admissions webpage or by calling the Graduate Admissions office at (802) 656-3160. Information about degree requirements can be found in the University Catalogue.
Please note that GRE scores are no longer required nor accepted as part of the application.
Visits
We strongly encourage prospective students to meet with our students and faculty; there is no better way to learn about the Field Naturalist Program and whether it is a good fit for you. You should do likewise with other programs you may be considering. Talk with our students and ask hard questions about what it's really like here. Gauge whether the graduate student body would provide a stimulating environment for you. The best time to visit is on our Prospective Students Day, but other visits can be arranged. If you are not able to visit the program in person, we will consider a virtual interview if necessary. *Note: virtual visits will be required during the 2020-2021 academic year because UVM is not allowing visitors to campus.
Prospective Students Day
Each year we hold an all-day informational session for prospective students. It is certainly not required for admission to the program, but if you're able to come we encourage it. This year's virtual event was on November 20, 2020. A recording of the event is available upon request.
Funding
We assemble a package of assistance that includes teaching assistantships with tuition remission (guaranteed for at least one semester and often available for more than one), scholarships, and fellowship aid. We are also generally able to reduce tuition to in-state rates for out-of-state students. This assistance, while substantial, is not full support, so students do have to find funds outside of the program for remaining tuition, fees, and living expenses.