About Agroecology | Program Overview | Accelerated Master's Program | Credit Transfers | International Students | Tuition and Financial Aid 

Tell me more about agroecology

• What is agroecology?  

  Agroecology is a holistic approach to transforming food systems by integrating ecological science, social equity, and practical farming knowledge. It combines science, practice, and movement to create more sustainable and just food systems. 
   

• Is agroecology growing as a field? 

  Yes, rapidly. It is recognized by governments and global institutions, mentioned in climate and biodiversity policy, and has been adopted in national strategies worldwide. 
   

• What careers does a master's degree in agroecology lead to? 

  An Agroecology M.S. can open up opportunities in a wide range of careers, including: nonprofit and community food systems work, policy and advocacy, farming and land-based work, research and academia, international development, and urban agriculture.

How does the program work?

• What makes this program different from other agriculture degrees? 

  UVM’s Agroecology MS integrates science, social systems, and policy. It focuses on real-world, community based work and emphasizes co-creation of knowledge with farmers and communities. Students are connected to a global network through the online courses and IFA programming. 
   

• Can I do this program while working? 

  Yes. The program is designed for working professionals, farmers, educators, organizers, and other people working in food systems. Courses are online, flexible, and synchronous, allowing real-time interaction. Currently, each course meets approximately 2 hours per week synchronously, typically midday in the eastern time zone.
   

• Why get a master's instead of a certificate? 

  If you want a globally-recognized credential that will give you a stronger foothold in advancing your career, a M.S. is for you. 
   

• Will I be part of a community? 

  Yes! You will be part of a global cohort, consisting of students from around the world, through weekly collaboration and discussion in synchronous classes. You will be directly connected to farmers, researchers, and organizers. 

  Our team is dedicated to cultivating engaging and connected online communities. The IFA offers many ways to engage with the wider IFA community– both in person and online.
  
   

• I know the program is online, but I live near or visit UVM. Can I connect in person?

  Yes! Some of our courses are offered in a hybrid format (some students online and others together on campus). We also offer other ways to engage with our community on campus.

   

• Does one need to do a project and how does that work? 

  Yes, there is a Master's Project! 6 credits, see curriculum on website.

   

• What is the summer commitment? 

  No summer classes are required. However, students may choose to take elective courses over the summer. 

   

• Do I need a farming background? 

  No. Though a background in agriculture or food systems is beneficial, the program is designed for many roles in the food system, not just farmers.  
   

• I want to learn to farm in an agroecological way. Is this program for me?

  You will learn about agroecological practices and principles in this program. A good way to connect with farmers and get hands-on, practical farming experience could be through your master's project or through part-time work.

   

• I want to research the biophysical and ecological benefits of agroecology. Is the program for me?

  Yes -  this program helps students build a transdisciplinary foundation of knowledge across biophysical, social, economic, and political domains. 

Accelerated Masters Program

• I am a current UVM undergraduate student. Do you offer an accelerated master’s program? 

  Yes! Undergraduates of all majors can apply for the Accelerated Masters Program in Agroecology (AMP). Students will begin taking graduate-level courses their senior year and finish their MS with 1 additional year of post- graduate study.

   

• With an AMP pathway, are there variations on entry points? For example if a student is intending to graduate in December 2026, what would that look like?

  Yes, there is flexibility in entry points. Most AMP students complete their undergraduate degree in May and begin the graduate portion of their program in the summer or fall. However, students graduating in December may begin their graduate coursework in the spring semester, provided the curriculum supports a spring start.

   

• If I am going into their senior this coming fall, can I still apply now?

  Yes! You can apply to start in the Fall but submitting your application by the July 15 deadline. We will work with you to determine which courses fit into your schedule your senior year and you will complete the remaining after you received your Bachelors. 

   

• How will I balance the classes I am signing up now with what they have to take for the AMP? 

  The Agroecology AMP has a list of required courses and approved electives. Courses at the 5000 level and above may be counted towards your AMP.

Credit Transfers

• I am a current Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology (CGSA) student. Can I transfer into the Masters? 

  Yes! As a student in the Agroecology certificate, you are able to transfer all of the credits into the MS. Once you apply and are accepted, the Grad College Student Services team will help facilitate that transfer of credits. The first step would be applying to the program - we would waive your app fee as a current student. 

   

• How many graduate credits can be transferred into this 30-credit Master's?  (And is there a time limit or other details or conditions prospective students need to be aware of?)

  Students may transfer up to 15 graduate-level credits earned at UVM into the master’s program. Once admitted as a master’s candidate, students must then complete a minimum of 15 graded credits that apply to the degree and are calculated into their GPA.

   

• What pathways are available for current CGS students to transition into this MS program? Are there any limitations or specific instructions to share?

  Current certificate students who wish to transition into the master’s program must submit the standard admissions application (this requirement also applies to current graduate students seeking to enroll in a certificate program). Since these students are active at UVM, they will be eligible for the application fee waiver.

  The primary limitation is the maximum number of transferable credits (15). However, since the total credits required for certificate and micro-certificate programs do not exceed this limit, this should not be an issue. The requirement that at least 15 graded credits must be completed after matriculating into the master’s program will need to be carefully monitored, particularly if students are permitted to take non-graded courses (i.e., courses in which grades of S or SP are issued).

   

• I have taken non-credit classes with the IFA in the past. Do I need to take these courses again as part of the Masters? 

  Yes. UVM currently only considers credits for graduate coursework as eligible for transfer into the program at this time.

International Students

• I am an international student. What are the application requirements?

  To apply, you need: 

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 
  • TOEFL score (for international applicants) 
  • Personal statement 
  • Letters of recommendation 

  Learn more about the application requirements for international students.

   

• Do you have scholarships or financial aid for international students?

  The master’s in agroecology uses a tiered tuition scholarship system to support interested applicants. To learn more about UVM tuition, please visit the Graduate College Tuition and Fees page of Student Financial Services website.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

• What is the cost of this program? What kind of financial aid is available?

  We recognize that the tuition of graduate programs, especially in the United States, can be cost-prohibitive for some students. The Institute for Agroecology is working to raise scholarship funds for our graduate programs. We will provide more information when and if they become available. If the program isn’t financially feasible for you at the moment, or you are interested in other educational opportunities, we encourage you to visit the IFA’s website to learn more about some low-cost or free options, including Power Up Seminars and noncredit participation in our core courses.

   

• Will requesting an application fee wavier impact my application?

  Fee waivers do not impact the integrity of an application in any way. However, please review the following statement that I provide to international students who are seeking need-based fee waivers:

  The University of Vermont recognizes that the $65 application fee may create a barrier for some students. We invite applicants experiencing significant financial hardship to request a waiver. To be considered, you must submit a short narrative statement (1–2 paragraphs) directly in the application on the Financial Information page addressing both of the following points:

  • Financial Hardship: Explain your current financial circumstances and why paying the $65 application fee would pose a significant burden. Please provide enough detail for us to understand your situation (for example, employment status, family responsibilities, unexpected expenses, or other challenges).
  • Financial Planning for Graduate Study: Even if your application fee is waived, graduate education involves additional costs beyond tuition. Assistantships, when offered, may cover tuition and provide a stipend, but they do not typically cover travel to campus, immigration-related fees, or other personal expenses. Partial scholarships may help reduce tuition costs, but students are still responsible for the remainder of tuition and all other living expenses. Please outline your plan for meeting these costs (e.g., savings, family support, external funding, scholarships, loans, or employment).

  Your statement should show both that the application fee presents a hardship now, and that you have thoughtfully considered how you will manage the larger financial responsibilities of graduate school. This helps ensure that if admitted, you are positioned to succeed.