Accelerate positive change in your school and community with an Education for Sustainability (EFS) Certificate of Graduate Study.

To accelerate transformative societal response to the interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges of our time, the University of Vermont and the Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools established a partnership to offer two certificates of graduate study in Education for Sustainability (EFS). Coursework is designed for practicing preK-12, post-secondary, and informal educators as well as those working in museum education, outdoor education, parks and recreation activities, and other fields where natural and built environments are part of the curriculum.

Grounded in action research, transformative education, and youth leadership, the program prepares educators to empower learners in making positive changes in their communities to improve the quality of life for current and for future generations. 

EFS Graduate Certificate Pathways

Educators can choose to enroll in coursework leading to the 12-credit Micro Certificate of Graduate Study (mCGS-EFS) or the 18-credit Certificate of Graduate Student (CGS-EFS). Both pathways combine UVM’s commitment of high-quality teacher education with Shelburne Farms’ international reputation for EFS professional development for teachers. The innovative co-teaching arrangement and scholarship opportunities reduce costs for graduate students. Coursework is offered as a combination of online sessions and experiential learning that takes place at Shelburne Farms, an education non-profit organization and 1,400-acre working farm in Vermont.