UVM is recognized as one of the Best Graduate Schools for Education and Social Work by U.S. News and World Report
Guided by our deep commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion, UVM's College of Education and Social Services (CESS) offers a variety of nationally recognized graduate degree programs, professional certificates and continuing education options to meet your intellectual and professional interests. Our internationally renowned faculty lead research-informed teaching and learning through a student-centered approach that is collaboratively designed, community-engaged, leadership-oriented, and globally aware.
Learn more about each program and their associated graduate funding and scholarship opportunities by opening the accordions below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Accelerated Master's Pathways (for current UVM undergraduate students)
Current undergraduate students at UVM can pursue an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for the following graduate master's degree programs that allow early admission with up to nine credits double-counted toward both the bachelor's and master’s degrees, saving time and money. Entering your profession with a master’s degree often means starting higher on the salary scale.
Curriculum & Instruction (MEd) Online with Specialization Pathways
Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (MEd)
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Licensure to Teach Middle Level or Secondary Education
Special Education (MEd) Online:
Counseling (MS)
Our nationally accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs lead to Master of Science (M.S.) degree and outstanding preparation for success as professional counselors in a wide variety of settings.
Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)
Designed for students with a master’s degree in counseling or counseling-related fields, our program is distinguished by a commitment to develop critically conscious scholar-activists in the counseling profession.
Curriculum & Instruction (MEd) with Specialization Tracks
Our online Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) program develops innovative leaders in educational settings including teaching, curriculum theory, curriculum development, and related areas of research for public/private schools. You can choose to specialize in either Education for Sustainability, Reading and Literacy, Resiliency-Based Approaches, School Library Media Science, or an Individually-Designed Specialization. Our program is accessible online but we also have options for in-person study.
Disability Studies Graduate Certificate
Our interdisciplinary 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies includes required and elective courses covering disability in healthcare, communication, social work, education and policy.
Education for Sustainability Certificate of Graduate Study
Grounded in action research, transformative education, and youth leadership, our Certificate of Graduate Study in Education for Sustainability prepares educators to empower learners in making positive changes in their communities while shifting societies to improve the quality of life for current and for future generations. The program 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.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (MEd)
Through research-informed coursework and practical experiences in the field, our Education Leadership and Policy Studies (M.Ed.) program cultivates innovative leaders who can build and strengthen communities in a variety of educational and social service settings.
*This program has an Acclerated Master's Pathway for current UVM undergraduate students.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (EdD)
Our Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (EdD) is an applied research program for professionals serving in educational leadership positions in schools, colleges, policy arenas, non-profits and social service organizations.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (PhD)
By examining complex educational and social problems through the integration of multiple theoretical, methodological, and disciplinary lenses, our PhD program develops scholars who can analyze and inform the development of educational systems and public policies that positively impact broad societal issues.
Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (MEd)
Widely recognized among the top programs in the country in preparing student affairs professionals to collaboratively transform higher education, the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESA) program at UVM promotes strong and enduring relationships with fellow colleagues, campus partners, and award-winning faculty.
Interdisciplinary Studies in Education (MEd)
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Education (M.Ed.) provides tools to deepen research, theory, and practice for those seeking academic advancement, professional development, and/or lifelong learning. Courses are available both online and in-person. This program is designed to be customized to meet your professional and personal goals.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Two Licensure Tracks
Through our nationally accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), you can launch a rewarding career in high demand, changing lives and making an impact on your community and the world. Through our full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 year) program, you can earn your graduate degree and become licensed to teach in your academic discipline. An Accelerated Master's Pathway is available for current UVM undergraduate students.
Our MAT offers two licensure tracks:
Reading and Literacy
You may choose to take the Reading and Literacy course sequence in combination with our Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) program or as a stand-alone sequence in preparation for the transcript review process for the Specialized Literacy Professional Vermont educator endorsement. All courses are offered online (either synchronous or asynchronous) during in the fall, spring and summer.
Resiliency-Based Approaches with Families, Schools and Communities
To address the heightened incidence of trauma and adverse childhood experiences, our Certificate of Graduate Study in Resiliency-Based Approaches addresses the growing need to improve workforce capacity among educators and health/human service professionals who can successfully implement resiliency-building strategies.
Two pathways are available:
- Trauma-responsive and Restorative Practices (TRP)
- Family-school-community partnerships and interprofessional collaboration (FSC)
School Library Media Science
School librarians, also known as school library media specialists, are educational leaders and resource specialists in pre-K-12 schools who work collaboratively to provide equitable access to resources and information for all learners.
School Library Media Science courses are delivered using a combination of asynchronous online work and opportunities to engage in a professional learning community through synchronous sessions. The specialization includes six graduate courses designed for both those with and without teacher certification. All of the courses are embedded in a strand of our Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. Program.
Social Work (MSW)
Our nationally recognized Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses on transformative social work by weaving together the three intertwined philosophical strands of human rights and social justice; a strengths perspective; and social constructionism. These strands form the commitment to our profession and the relational, profound and generative elements of transformative social work.
Vermont’s progressive traditions offer unique opportunities for student practice within grass roots organizations as well as in more traditional state human service agency and private non-profit agency settings. Our MSW program emphasizes community and family-centered practice through a variety of professional roles and such diverse settings as schools, medical centers, mental health centers, government agencies, and community based organizations.
Social, Emotional and Behavioral Health and Inclusive Education (PhD)
The PhD in SHIE prepares highly trained experts with cutting-edge interdisciplinary methodological skills that address critical issues to enhance educational equity and inclusive education promoting the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children, youth, and adults (birth to age 21) impacted by adversity such as trauma, maltreatment, poverty, racism, and other forms of marginalization.
Drawing on the disciplines, frameworks and research modalities of special education, social work, and public health, doctoral scholars will engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, training, and methodological rigor in advancing equity and inclusive education. The program includes ongoing participation in community-engaged and applied research teams working to develop and test programs and practices in school and community settings.
A grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs will fully fund five doctoral scholars in the program through Project RESILIENCY.
Special Education (MEd) - Multiple Pathways
Designed for both experienced and aspiring professionals, our nationally accredited Master of Special Education (MEd) offers licensure and non-licensure pathways, community-based internships, and mentoring and support from nationally recognized faculty and local professionals. Design an individualized program plan aligned with your professional interests and career goals. Courses are offered at convenient times to accommodate working professionals.
