The University of Vermont

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Information for Prospective Students

collection of photos from the farm, classes and hands-on field workWelcome to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences! Our goal is to help students identify an appropriate major and realize their educational aspirations. While the University of Vermont is a sometimes considered a large institution, CALS prides ourselves on the small college "feel" that we facilitate by making students our number one priority.

We believe that the process of education and advising begins in our communication with prospective students and their families. Below are links to sites that will inform you about College and University life, the process for becoming a UVM Student, how to visit campus and other related concerns.

Please be assured that the CALS Student Services Office is here to help you begin your college education at the University of Vermont. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Overview

CALS is one of seven academic units offering undergraduate degrees at the University of Vermont. CALS programs emphasize the life sciences, agriculture and food systems, environmental stewardship and the preservation of healthy, rural communities. Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences learn how to make a difference in our changing world. Rigorous course work, research in state-of-the-art labs, hands-on experiences, and relevant internships provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to solve important societal problems and ensure a more sustainable planet. Award-winning faculty in the College promote high standards and encourage educational excellence that will serve students throughout their professional careers.

The College is recognized for its commitment to student advising and promotes significant student-faculty interaction. We believe that advising is important to a student's success, so each undergraduate gets individual attention from his or her advisor. Advisors provide a broad range of support, helping students develop high-quality academic programs as well as guidance in career choices later on. Each first-year student is also introduced to the campus and to college life through our acclaimed, two-semester course called Foundations.

Flexibility, Individuality

The College is divided into six departments, offering Bachelor of Science degrees in sixteen majors. We encourage students to tailor their academic programs to fit their individual interests, needs and goals. Students may choose to add a minor to their degree programs, but it is not required. Qualified students have the option of a self-designed major. Entering students unsure of which academic path to follow can apply as "Undecided" as they explore the college's many programs. Students generally have flexibility within their required curricula to explore electives across campus.

Your Course of Study

Students at the University of Vermont need 122 credits and a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher to graduate with a four year degree. In addition to meeting the requirements of a specific major, faculty have identified competencies that they feel are important to the success of all students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  These are called CALS Core Competencies. As part of all students’ 122 credit program of study, the University requires two 3 credit Diversity Courses and 2 credits of Physical Education.

A World of Opportunities

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences encourages students to pursue academic opportunities beyond the classroom. Programs are enhanced by on-campus facilities, modern laboratories, and undergraduate research for which the College is renowned. In addition, options abound for off-campus internships, independent study, and study abroad. Students ready for greater challenge may also pursue undergraduate research opportunities.

Prepare to Make a Difference

Graduates of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences may continue with advanced study in human and animal medicine, education, industry and research, for example. They are also prepared to work in such fields as dietetics, horticulture, landscape design, biotechnology, international and rural development, ecological agriculture, equine management, organic farming, and environmental policy.

If you would like more specific information, contact the Dean’s office. If you would like to schedule a personal tour of the College and UVM campus, please contact the UVM Admissions office.

Majors and Concentrations

Animal Science
  • Dairy Production
  • Equine Science
  • General Animal Science
  • Pre-professional/ Pre-veterinary
Microbiology
Biochemistry Molecular Genetics
Biological Science Nutrition and Food Sciences
Community Entrepreneurship Plant Biology
  • Evolution and Ecology of Plants
  • General Botany
  • Plant Molecular Biology
Community and International Development Public Communication
Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Science Sustainable Landscape Horticulture
Ecological Agriculture Self-Designed Major
Environmental Sciences
  • Agriculture and the Environment
  • Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
  • Ecological Design
  • Environmental Analysis and Assessment
  • Environmental Resources
  • Environmental Biology
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Environmental Geology
  • Water Resources
Undecided
Environmental Studies

Minors

  • Animal Science
  • Applied Design
  • Biochemistry
  • Community and International Development
  • Community Entrepreneurship
  • Consumer Affairs
  • Consumer and Advertising
  • Ecological Agriculture
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Systems
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Nutrition and Food Sciences
  • Plant and Soil Science
  • Plant Biology
  • Soil Science
  • Sustainable Landscape Horticulture

Academic Departments and Program Contacts

Animal Science
Dr. John Burke, Interim Chair
Terrill Hall
(802) 656-0155

Biochemistry
Dr. John Burke, Co-Director
Stafford Hall
(802) 656-8503

Biological Science
Dr. David Kerr, Co-Director
Terrill Hall
(802) 656-2113
IntegratedBioSci@uvm.edu

Community Entrepreneurship,
Community and International Development,
& Public Communication

Dr. Jane Kolodinsky, Chair
Morrill Hall
(802) 656-2001

Environmental Sciences
Dr. Donald Ross, Co-Director
Hills Building
(802) 656-0138

Environmental Studies
Ibit Getchell, Student Services Coordinator
Bittersweet Building
(802) 656-0176 or (802) 656-4055


Microbiology / Molecular Genetics
Dr. Douglas Johnson or Dr. Brenda Tessmann
Stafford Building
(802) 656-8203 or (802) 656-8254

Nutrition & Food Sciences, &
Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Sciences
Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, Chair
Carrigan Wing, Marsh Life Science Building
(802) 656-3374

Ecological Agriculture,
Sustainable Landscape Horticulture, &
Soil Science

Dr. Deborah Neher, Chair  or Dr. Mark Starrett
Hills Building
(802) 656-0474 or (802) 656-0467

Plant Biology
Dr. David Barrington, Interim Chair
Marsh Life Science Building
(802) 656-2930

Self-Designed Major
Dr. Jonathan Leonard, Director
Morrill Hall
(802) 656-2979

Undecided
Rose Laba, Student Services Specialist
CALS Dean's Office
Morrill Hall
(802) 656-0289



Last modified September 30 2008 11:08 AM

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