Global weather patterns are shifting, millions are facing malnutrition and food insecurity, and earth’s natural resources are stressed. How do we grow food in a way that sustains our people and our planet?
Agroecology offers crucial concepts and tools for farmers, academics, and other actors to transform food systems for sustainability and resilience.
Responding to an increasing demand for a deeper curriculum that focuses on all dimensions of agroecology, including its expressions as science, social movement, and practice, UVM is pleased to offer both its 15-credit Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology and an immersive Introduction to Agroecology, available as a non-credit, standalone course.
For those pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture and/or food systems, agriculture policy, or related fields
Composed of one hybrid course, three foundational online courses, and final synthesis online seminar course, the goal of the CGSA is to provide participants with graduate-level, conceptual, and applied knowledge in agroecology.
Pursue an advanced graduate certification in agroecology and help create meaningful change
Earn a 9-credit certificate by taking three core courses that represent the three dimensions of agroecology: science, movement, and practice.
For those seeking an immersive introduction to the challenges of current agrifood systems
Available as a non-credit, standalone offering, this 4-week, online course presents an in-depth overview of research and applications in the field of agroecology, with a focus on principles-based approaches.
Deepen your understanding of complex problems in agroecology. Learn how to apply Participatory Action Research and transdisciplinary approaches to agri-food system studies
Available as a non-credit, 14-week, online course, students will have the opportunity to examine examples of agroecological PAR projects, draw upon lessons learned, and find inspiration.
Examine the potential intersection between agroecology, food sovereignty and government policies
Available as a non-credit, 14-week online course, students will investigate the social, political, and economic elements of the global food system from multiple perspectives.
Graduate-level study
Combining knowledge with action, UVM’s 18-month, transdisciplinary, cohort educational model program prepares students to apply knowledge of the interconnected and interdependent global food system and helps them develop skills in mixed method research approaches in order to critically analyze and propose solutions to our most challenging problems.
Graduate-level study
The PhD in Food Systems at UVM combines a comprehensive investigation of food systems and a commitment to developing methods for solving the current problems of the food system through a cohort intensive experience. The food systems cohort works together to address problems and devise potential solutions through an oral competency examination, designing a course of study with a dissertation committee, and developing a research proposal as part of a qualifying exam.
Hands-on, Skill-based Education in Sustainable Agriculture
UVM’s Farmer Training Program is a six-month, hands-on program for aspiring farmers and food-systems advocates that provides experiential, skills-based education in sustainable farming. Students will get a unique and comprehensive education by running all aspects of the 10-acre Catamount Educational Farm, learning from expert farmers and educators in the classroom, and alongside successful, inspiring farmers in the Burlington area.
For those seeking fundamentals in principles of ecology and their application to agricultural systems and landscapes
Available as a non-credit, standalone offering, this 15-week, online course, examines the ecological foundations of Agroecology, largely from a biophysical perspective.
For those interested in forming a learning community that explores agroecology as an approach to just transitions in food systems.
Available as a non-credit, standalone online offering. Students will explore how agroecological transitions are complex, relational and ongoing processes of change that unfold in territories, and shaped by these wider processes within a complex matrix of power.