Environmental programs are big at UVM -- like the vastness of the world they represent. Studying the Environment at UVM will help to prepare you for a wide range of careers in science, natural and cultural resource management, ecological design and sustainability. We encourage you to take courses that build on foundational knowledge across a broad range of disciplines, but more importantly, to engage with UVM faculty and staff outside of the classroom. Over 92 percent of UVM seniors report being engaged in research, an internship or other experience-based learning while at UVM. All of this practice provides students with hands-on experience working locally and globally on environmental problems. There are also many opportunities to get involved on campus, with programs and activities designed to engage with our green campus culture. The offerings below should get you started on ways to study the environment as a key to your future.

Undergraduate Programs

You can study the environment at UVM through five different schools and colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources, the College of Engineering and the College of Education and Social Services. Apply through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Real-World Experience: Internships, Grants and Careers

As John Dewey (UVM 1879) stated "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." UVM's environmental programs seek to provide students with academic and co-curricular experiences that are embedded in the real world of environmental problems and solutions.  Students do internships with local community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. There are many grants available to help make these work and research experiences possible, and faculty and staff are here to help find these opportunities.

Get Involved

Our motto is "engaging minds that change the world." UVM students don't wait until they graduate but get involved early and stay involved. Student initiatives have brought local food into the dining halls, eliminated plastic water bottles on campus, increased recycled paper in offices, and brought diversity and sustainability into the curriculum. There are over 20 volunteer clubs at UVM giving 1000's of volunteer hours each month. You can be active in a wide array of activities and organizations ranging from the Alternative Energy Racing Organization, the Campus Kitchens & Food Project, the Common Ground Student Farm, the Outing Club, the Eco-Reps, to the committee running UVM's Clean Energy Fund - and find other students and faculty that share your passions. Learn how to get things done, find friends that want action, build skills, make a difference.

In their fields

Tom Broido ’83, builds UVM experience into an environmental leadership role
Andrea Kavanagh '92, helps to win designation of Antarctica’s Ross Sea as the world’s largest marine protected area
ellen in the lab
Ellen Martinsen, scientist, Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute
Maya THomas
Maya Thomas, GIS specialist, environmental consulting firm
Ryan in helicopter
Ryan Sleeper, water resources scientist, environmental consulting firm
Ian Joughin in front of ice sheet
Ian Joughin ’86 G’90, Glaciologist studying the collapse of the ice sheet covering western Antarctica
Tristam Coffin
Tristam Coffin '07, Internal Sustainability Consultant, Whole Foods Market
 Laura Pagliarulo
Laura Pagliarulo '02, Green Products Specialist, Washington Gas Energy Services
Jennifer Attig
Jennifer Attig '13, ENVS major in the College of Arts and Sciences with a concentration in environment and health
Lou Borie
Lou Borie '77, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Board
Genna Waldvogel
Genna Waldvogel, Rubenstein undergrad, Arctic researcher
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