UVM’s 15-credit, one-year Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology combines ecological, social, and economic perspectives in the pursuit of practical solutions to contemporary problems in our agrifood system. The fully prescribed coursework consists of three foundational classes, and a final synthesis capstone course.
Courses
Introduction to Agroecology (PSS 311, 3 credits)
Course description: An in-depth overview of research and applications in the field of agroecology, with a focus on providing the student with conceptual and analytical content.
In addition to taking the course for credit as part of the Certificate of Graduate Study, PS311 can also be taken as a stand alone, non-credit course. Students taking it as a non-credit course will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Credit course prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission
The Ecological Foundations of Agroecology (PSS 312, 3 credits)
Course description: Examines the ecological foundations of agroecology, largely from a biophysical perspective. Over the course of three sequential modules, students will explore the fundamental principles of ecology and their application to agricultural systems and landscapes.
Prerequisite: One semester biological science at the 100-level or instructor permission
Participatory Action Research (PAR) & Transdisciplinary Approaches to Agroecology (PSS 313, 3 credits)
Course description: Introduces students to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in the context of agroecology and examines how the integration of PAR and transdisciplinary approaches can serve to deepen our collective understanding of complex problems/issues and of viable action options for addressing them.
Prerequisite: PSS 311
Agroecology, Food Sovereignty, and Social Movements (PSS 314, 3 credits)
Course description: Investigates social, political, and economic elements of the global food system from multiple perspectives, considering the intersections between agroecology and food sovereignty, including various forms of scaling such as through social movements and government policies. Prerequisite: PSS 311
Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Capstone Experience (PSS 315, 3 credits)
Course description: The capstone is designed for the application of newly developed knowledge and skills in a culminating experience/project that addresses an agroecological topic relevant to the individual student.
Prerequisites: PSS 311, PSS 312, PSS 313, PSS 314