In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, undergraduate and graduate students are exposed to the latest scientific, technological, and creative advances to meet the challenges of our time while learning to continuously innovate in a rapidly changing world.

 

CALS students consider a "planetary health" approach, understanding that the health of people, communities, animals, plants, and ecosystems are linked. Their studies span a diverse spectrum and can encompass veterinary, animal, and plant sciences, as well as biological, microbiological, molecular, and biochemical sciences. They explore sustainable agriculture, food systems, and nutrition alongside the social sciences of agroecology, economics, and community development. Public communication skills are honed, empowering our students to build more just societies and create impacts that will lead to a better future for all.

a student wearing a vr headset holds controllers while another student looks on Student on an internship rehabilitating wildlife, in this case a duck student does a bacteria experiment in a lab

Undergraduate programs

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers a breadth of programs for students interested in life sciences, including animal science, food and nutrition, the environment, and agriculture, or social sciences such as community entrepreneurship, public communication and applied economics.

Undergraduate programs

What makes CALS unique

Exploring Globally

CALS faculty can take you around the world. Study conservation in the Galapagos Islands or the tropical Andes; public health and food systems in Kenya; community development in Peru; plant diversity in Costa Rica; education, gender, and development in Nepal; or community development in St. Lucia.

Community is the Classroom

Vermont's small size is a strength for student opportunities. Our students forge direct connections with local non-profits, businesses, farms, towns, and the state government. The scale translates to invaluable community collaborations and networking. Those connections set our graduates apart.

Embracing Innovation

In every field, scientific knowledge is growing exponentially. CALS embraces change and prepares for the future. Our students are trained to ask, "What's next?" From precision agriculture to sustainable development, we are inventing a better tomorrow.
two individuals talking at a lab bench with beakers in the foreground

Research opportunities

CALS students graduate with premier training in purpose-driven science harnessed in service of real-world applications. Gaining valuable insight from mentors and working alongside experienced faculty, students tackle today's most complex issues and are prepared to solve for tomorrow's.

Research overview

By the numbers

  • ~120 faculty across academic units and Extension
  • 14 undergraduate majors
  • 1,333 undergraduate students (Fall 2023)
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UVM Extension - Cultivating Healthy Communities

For more than 100 years, UVM Extension has delivered education tailored to local needs. With twelve offices located throughout the state, UVM Extension faculty and staff work to help improve the quality of life for Vermonters through research-based educational programs and practical information.

UVM Extension

CALS in the news

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Double Major Naveen Kothandaraman Receives a Goldwater Scholarship

What if Mother Earth Could Sue for Mistreatment? Endangered Ecuadorian Frogs and the Junin Community Showcase a Groundbreaking Legal Framework

UVM Soil Testing Center Gives Vermont Farmers a Local Solution

CDAE Celebrates Academic Accomplishments at the 2025 Honors Day Event

Sensing Sickness: Study Supports New Method for Boosting Bee Health

More Agriculture and Life Sciences News
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UVM's Agricultural Experiment Station

As Vermont’s land-grant institution, the UVM Agricultural Experiment Station (VT-AES) was created in 1886 in response to the Morrill Act. It's mission is to address Vermont’s agricultural issues through research.

VT Agriculture Experiment Station

Students, faculty, staff, and members of the public participating in VT-AES programs can access information about civil rights protections at the UVM Office of Equal Opportunity home page.   Staff with the Office of Equal Opportunity are available to answer questions about reasonable accommodations, anti-discrimination policy, reporting, support measures, and related topics. Students interested in reasonable accommodations for a disability-related condition are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services.