With the introduction of five new graduate programs, the University of Vermont is positioning itself to provide students with a competitive edge in several growing fields: agroecology, exercise science, autonomy and robotics, health and wellness coaching, and public health. 

AGROECOLOGY 

UVM just launched the first fully online, synchronous agroecology master’s program in the United States. UVM’s new Agroecology M.S. — a collaboration between the Institute for Agroecology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment — is designed for early- and mid-career farmers, educators, organizers, policymakers, and others interested in working to create a just, regenerative, resilient food system.  

Learning directly from internationally recognized faculty, students will dig into ecological science, participatory action research, and the political economy of food systems.  The fully online format ensures that students can continue to nurture the work they’re already doing in their local communities while they deepen their education and boost their credentials.  

"This program reflects who agroecology learners actually are,” says co-director of the Institute for Agroecology, Ernesto Mendez.⁠ “They’re already doing important work and what they need is space to think critically, learn together, and strengthen their impact, without having to step away from their livelihoods or the places they care about."  

EXERCISE SCIENCE 

Agroecology isn’t the only new master’s program hitting UVM’s catalogue next fall.  

A new Exercise Science M.S. — the first in Vermont — prepares students to become exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, health and wellness coaches, or corporate or community wellness managers. 

The in-person, small-cohort model ensures that students work closely with a faculty mentor to apply evidence‑based science to improve health, prevent injury, manage chronic disease, and optimize human performance. 

AUTONOMY AND ROBOTICS 

UVM is also debuting the Autonomy and Robotics Certificate of Graduate Study. This 12-credit, in-person program provides a rigorous foundation in autonomous systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence and is designed to be stacked onto other graduate degrees.  

Students will dive into kinematics, dynamics, real-time control, planning, and decision making. They’ll mathematically model dynamical systems — like smart grids and drones — and use computer programming and simulation tools to model, design, and simulate the behavior of robots and autonomous systems. 

INTEGRATED HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING 

Another powerful add-on for grad students — whether they’re focused on health care, business, education, or social services — is the new Integrated Health and Wellness Coaching m.C.G.S. 

The in-person program is designed to slot seamlessly into the elective spaces in graduate programs. With careful planning, folks can earn their National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach credential in just nine credits. 

The curriculum covers evidence-based coaching and communication techniques, motivational interviewing skills that help guide conversations to inspire meaningful action, and an exploration of how and why people make decisions. 

PUBLIC HEALTH 

Recent data demonstrate that the need for public health experts will increase as we continue to move forward from the broad and devastating impacts of the pandemic.  That’s one reason UVM is launching a new Doctor of Public Health program. 

As our population ages, chronic conditions increase, and barriers to healthcare access abound, the need for doctoral-prepared public health scientists, educators and practitioners will continue to grow.  

UVM’s dynamic new program — which is 100% online — is designed to produce transformative leaders with expertise in evidence-based public health practices and research. Students will gain career-ready skills in strategic thinking, advocacy, and communication, with a strong foundation in quantitative sciences and health equity. 

THE GRADUATE COLLEGE 

UVM offers more than 120 graduate programs, from master’s and Ph.D. programs to stackable certificates. More than 30 of those programs are also available as Accelerated Master’s Pathways, which undergrads can begin while they’re still working toward their bachelor’s degrees. Explore all the options here.