The Graduate College at the University of Vermont was formally established in 1952, though the first graduate degree had been awarded in 1807. Today, UVM offers over 50 academic programs leading to a master's degree and over 20 programs leading to the doctorate. All graduate degrees are awarded by the Graduate College with the exception of the M.D. degree, which is awarded by the College of Medicine. The Graduate College includes programs and degrees in the natural, physical and biological sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, and professional training. One of the notable features of a UVM graduate education is that many of our programs are interdisciplinary, cutting across several departments and areas of study. These interdisciplinary programs capitalize on the exceptional strengths of UVM faculty, especially in the biological and biomedical sciences as well as in environmental and ecological programs.