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Full Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology

̽̽’s 15-credit program examines potential pathways, through agroecology, towards the transformation of food systems by integrating economic, social, and ecological perspectives.

Overview | ̽̽ | Outcomes | Admissions | Curriculum | Instructors

Program Snapshot

Next Start Date
How Often
Application
Learning Format
Rolling AdmissionsEvery SemesterInformation HereOnline
VA Benefit Eligible
Duration
Time Commitment
Credential
Yes1 Year6-8 hours/course/weekCertificate of Graduate Study of Agroecology

 

Overview

Find Solutions to Societal Issues Through the Lens of Our Food Systems


Rooted in “Participatory Action Research” (PAR), our program guides students to identify key questions and practice new methods for integrating data from multiple perspectives (farmers, academics, activists, policymakers, etc.). This is used to both better understand agrifood system issues, as well as search for solutions that show real promise to help resolve issues on the ground.

The fully prescribed coursework consists of four semester-long courses including the Transformative Agroecology course (ALE 6110), three foundational classes (ALE 6120, ALE 6130, ALE 6140); and a final online capstone course, 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.

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woman holding harvest

Be Part of a Food Systems Revolution

Vermont is a hub for food systems work and ̽̽ is a trusted partner that provides pioneering research and thought-leadership.
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Access Leading Academia

Based within the Agriculture, Landscape, and Ecology Department at ̽̽ and connected to the ̽̽ Institute for Agroecology, the program provides students access to ̽̽’s academic ecosystem and people.
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Learn Online

The full and micro certificates are an online, partially synchronous learning opportunity.

Outcomes

In this program, you will

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  • Learn from examples of agroecology from around the world to draw lessons learned and to find inspiration.​
  • Learn directly from agroecology researchers and actionists working actively on in local, national and international contexts​
  • Explore and develop your own practice as an agent of change.  ​
  • Integrate ecological, social, political and economic perspectives while investigating contemporary problems in our agrifood system​
  • Live in your own foodshed while learning lessons you can apply anywhere​
  • Connect theory to practice as part of a diverse and inclusive learning community​
  • Gain the knowledge you need to help farmers and communities realize the multiple benefits of agroecology, ensure better livelihood for farmers, and reverse the trends of climate crisis, biodiversity loss, inequity and hunger.

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Admissions

Who is this program for?

Who is this program for?

  • Graduate Students​
  • Activists, Practitioners, and Professionals seeking advanced learning in agroecology​ for graduate credit
  • We believe that we learn best from a diversity of sources and a diversity of voices – online participation means you can join us from almost anywhere

Application process information 

Please note: all courses will be taught at a graduate level, with approximately 6-8 hours of work per week for each course.

Curriculum

What courses are required for the Full Certificate in Agroecology?

What courses are required for the Full Certificate in Agroecology?

  • Transformative Agroecology (ALE 6110)
  • Ecological Foundations of Agroecology (ALE 6120)
  • Participatory Action Research and Transdisciplinary Agroecology (ALE 6130)
  • Agroecology, Food Sovereignity & Social Movements (ALE 6140)
  • Agroecology Capstone (ALE 6150)

Instructors

Colin Anderson

Co-Director, Institute for Agroecology • Associate Research Professor, ALE (Agroecology, Landscape, and Environment)

Martha Caswell

Research Affiliate, PhD Student

Carlos Andres Gallegos-Riofrío

Research Assistant Professor, Institute for Agroecology

Katie Horner

Postdoctoral Associate, Institute for Agroecology

Nils McCune

Research Associate, Agroecology Support Team

V. Ernesto Méndez

Co-Director, Institute for Agroecology • Professor of Agroecology and Environmental Studies, Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment