The Ecological Agriculture students offered by University of Vermontare interested in diversified agriculture systems that include horticultural and agronomic crops. Ecology is the uniting thread that integrates the course-work and ties the curriculum together. The program is based in UVM’s Plant and Soil Science Department, where faculty advisors help students select courses and develop learning experiences that match their interests and career goals.

All students who enroll in the major must complete the basic core curriculum for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), which includes courses in communications and technology. In addition students complete courses within the program, such as plant biology, ecology, plant and soil science, economics, and policy. Summer course offerings provide students experience during the Vermont growing season.

Career opportunities

The Ecological Agriculture major provides students with experiential learning opportunities needed for wise use of natural resources. The major has prepared students for jobs in production; ornamental horticulture retail and services; production of specialty crops for food, medical and energy uses; and recycling damaged lands. Other career directions for which our students are prepared include organic farming, soil conservation, production of specialty crops, environmental science and management, precision agriculture technology, phytoremediation, plant inspection, food biosecurity, or science policy.