Field Naturalist

Program Overview

The Field Naturalist Program is a unique field-based experience that develops the potential of future conservation leaders by emphasizing scientific integration, oral and written communication, and environmental problem solving. Students receive a solid grounding in field-related sciences and are trained to integrate scientific disciplines into a coherent whole at the landscape level. Students also develop competence in evaluating field sites from a number of perspectives and/or criteria, translating scientific insights into ecologically sound decisions, and communicating effectively to a wide range of audiences.

Hallmarks of the Master of Science program are cross-disciplinary science in the field, problem-solving, and effective communication. Instruction is more apprenticeship than conventional schooling. Students complete a master's project in service to a sponsoring environmental organization — they leave the program with on-the-ground conservation experience.

Our graduates are sought-after leaders in stewardship, conservation, policy, ecological planning, and place-based education. Whether they work in boardrooms, backyards, or bogs, Field Naturalists stand out as holistic problem-solvers. Over 90 percent of alumni have careers in the environmental field, and nearly half go on to direct programs for The Nature Conservancy, federal and state agencies, and other such leading organizations. 

Field Naturalists aren't really generalists — they're specialists in integration. Our curriculum, while it covers the fundamentals of natural history such as geology and botany, emphasizes the complex ways that these landscape "layers," including human history, interact to create ecosystems. We train naturalists who, dropped into an unfamiliar patch of land, could tell its story stretching back thousands of years.

Simply understanding the landscape is not enough, however. Students craft their writing and public speaking skills throughout the program, practicing many different styles to reach many different audiences. Field Naturalists strive to forge the link between scientists and the public. And we don't do all the talking; we listen to and learn from people in communities where we work. We bring open minds and objective analysis to develop solutions that work for people and places.

Using these skills, students develop a master's project in consultation with a partnering conservation organization such as a land trust, federal or state agency, or municipal parks department. Each project meets a demonstrated need of the organization, ensuring that the work will be used. Field research spans the summer of the first academic year. By the end of the two-year program, each student will have produced a professional report for the sponsoring partner and a popular article or journal publication.


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Put a field naturalist to work for your organization

Help the program thrive for 40 more years!

In light of shifts in university funding, the Field Naturalist Program has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign that will provide the financial support our students need to complete their degrees and put their talents to work for conservation. Generations of future FNs are counting on your help!

Learn more about our campaign

Deadlines

Application Deadline:
Applications submitted by or on January 15 will receive full consideration. No applications will be reviewed prior to the deadline. Offers of admission are typically extended by March.

Application Materials:
Application materials and information can be found on the Graduate Admissions webpage or by calling the Graduate Admissions office at (802) 656-3160. Information about degree requirements can be found in the University Catalogue.

Please note that GRE scores are no longer required nor accepted as part of the application. No writing sample (besides the statement of purpose) is required either.

Application fee waivers are available in some cases—see UVM's application platform Slate for details. Recent alumni (within two years) of the Peace Corps and Americorps qualify, as does anyone for whom the fee presents a demonstrable financial hardship.

NOTE ON REFERENCES: UVM's graduate admissions software does not allow us to see any part of your application until all materials have been submitted, including letters of reference. Please make sure your references understand that they need to submit by the January 15 deadline. If they submit soon after that date, we will still consider your application on equal footing, but if too much time passes, we may need to proceed with our fast-paced application review without yours in the pile. We will get in touch with you if this is imminent. Consider having an "emergency" reference in mind in case one falls through.

Costs and Funding

We assemble a package of assistance that includes a teaching assistantship with six credits of tuition remission (guaranteed for one semester except in rare cases of low financial need, and sometimes available for more than one), small (four-figure) scholarships, and fellowship aid on a similarly modest scale. We also reduce tuition to in-state rates for out-of-state students. This assistance is, unfortunately, not full support, so students do have to find funds outside of the program for remaining tuition, fees, and living expenses. We are working on a homeshare program with alumni in the greater Burlington area, through which a current student could rent a room in a home for an affordable price.

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Visits

We encourage prospective students to meet with our students and faculty; there is no better way to learn about the Field Naturalist Program and whether it is a good fit for you. You should do likewise with other programs you may be considering. Talk with our students and ask hard questions about what it's really like here. Gauge whether the graduate student body would provide a stimulating environment for you.

Prospective Students Day

Each year we hold an informational session for prospective students. It is certainly not required for admission to the program, but if you're able to come we encourage it. This event is no longer held in person, rather virtually to make it more accessible to everyone without travel costs. This year's virtual Prospective Students Day was held on Friday, November 22, 2024. If you wish to watch a recording, we can send you the file. Email us with questions or to request the file.