Prospective Graduate Students | Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources | The University of Vermont(title)

With four graduate programs, more than 30 graduate faculty, many active research projects, and state-of-the-art facilities, you'll find a rewarding home for your advanced study in the Rubenstein School.

Finding the Right Program

We are proud of our close-knit community that is characterized by high levels of engagement with fellow graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, and staff in a vibrant learning-research atmosphere. The Rubenstein School Graduate Student Association (RGSA) creates opportunities for connection, learning, and peer support through events, seminars, and off campus activities.

Finding the Right Program

The key to having a great experience in graduate school is finding a program curriculum that interests you, a project that you are passionate about, and a faculty mentor with whom you would like to work. 

Start by considering the variety of programs and research areas available to you. The Rubenstein School offers multiple advanced degree pathways including an Accelerated Master's Program you can enroll in as an undergraduate, online Master's and Ph.D. programs focused on the humanities, and two onsite programs with an emphasis on applied research.

Former PhD student Sam Bliss crouching in a garden holding an onion

Graduate Programs

The Rubenstein School has a growing graduate program with approximately 128 graduate students across our four Master's and Ph.D. programs.

Our Graduate Programs

Faculty

Depending on the program you choose, finding a faculty advisor is an important next step. Explore faculty profiles and laboratory websites to learn more about their recent publications and grants.

Rubenstein School Graduate Faculty

Once you have identified a potential faculty advisor, contact the Rubenstein School Graduate Program Coordinator at rsenrgc@uvm.edu. Our Program Coordinator can help you connect with faculty and answer your questions about the application process. 

As you begin the application process, focus on cultivating a relationship with a faculty member who is willing to be your advisor. While having an advisor on board is not a pre-requisite for applying, a faculty member must have agreed to be your advisor before you can be accepted into a Rubenstein School program. Getting into graduate school is a competitive process, so the better the fit between your academic record and work/research experience, the more likely that your application will be successful.

Professor Taylor Ricketts and a Graduate Student conducting field work in a wildflower and solar field

The Gund Institute for Environment

The Gund Institute for Environment is a community of researchers, students, experts, and practitioners who work together across disciplines. UVM doctoral, masters, and graduate certificate students are eligible to become Gund Graduate Fellows.

Become a Gund Graduate Fellow

Applying to the Rubenstein School

Application Checklist
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The UVM Graduate College has detailed application instructions, deadlines for each program, and information on financial aid.

When applying, be sure to indicate your interest in any particular concentration or faculty member in your Statement of Purpose. This will help us get your application to the proper faculty member for review.

  • Graduate College Application.
  • Transcripts sent to the Graduate College.
  • Applicants whose native or first language is not English are required to submit proof of English proficiency. Visit Graduate College International Student Admissions for information regarding English proficiency exam scores and waivers.  
  • Three letters of recommendation sent to the Graduate College (This most frequently holds up the application review process; start early to make sure your application is reviewed on schedule.)

The Rubenstein School does not require a writing sample or GRE exam. 

Admissions Timetable for Fall
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For Fall Admissions
Date(s)Activity
October to DecemberVisit UVM and develop relationships with potential advisors
January 1Priority deadline for consideration for School assistantships
late JanuaryGraduate College admissions and first-round funding offers
March 15Final deadline for Fall start term
mid-March to MayAdditional acceptances and second-round funding offers
JuneLast acceptances are usually made at this time
Admissions for Spring and Summer
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While most of the School's funding and admissions to the Master's and Ph.D. programs take place for fall admissions, the Rubenstein School admits a few students at other times of the year. These off-cycle admissions occur as a result of grant opportunities that faculty receive at different times of the year. There is no guarantee that any funds will be available in any particular year, but it never hurts to ask specific faculty about funding opportunities.