Are you an undergraduate student committed to developing new ways of thinking about environmental law and policy? The Undergraduate Environmental Law and Policy program provides students an opportunity to learn cutting-edge issues, sample life as a law student, and experience the impact of environmental law and policy from top-notch experts in the field.
For any questions about the program, please contact Admissions at admiss@vermontlaw.edu.
Undergraduate students: Become agents of change at the nation's premier environmental law school.
- Learn from expert faculty in our top-rated Environmental Law Center, which has a rich history of working to influence environmental policy on local, national and international levels.
- Establish a legal framework that will set you on a path to becoming a leader who uses the power of the law to make a difference.
- Take additional courses in environmental law, energy law, water law, animal law, land use law, or food and agriculture law offered as part of the VLGS Summer Session program.
- Attend "Hot Topics" lectures by leading environmental scholars and activists.
- Have fun and explore Vermont. VLGS is nestled on the banks of the White River in the village of South Royalton. We are a short hike, bike ride, or drive to scenic and recreational destinations.
Courses
May 28 - June 13, 2024
Ocean and Coastal Law (3 credits)
Long neglected by lawmakers despite its essential ecological functions, the marine environment has increasingly been the focal point of conservation and natural resource management efforts. As a foundation for studying the laws that govern the marine environment, the course considers the natural components of estuarine, coastal, and marine ecosystems and the current conservation issues confronting them. We will review domestic and international laws and treaties relating to coastal management, pollution, protected areas, endangered species, fisheries, marine mammals, wetlands, marine spatial planning, and offshore energy resources, and examine alternative approaches to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The course considers the effectiveness of these legal regimes in providing rational and comprehensive management and protection of marine resources in the face of emerging threats from climate change, crashing fish stocks, and energy shortages, focusing on current events such as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the International Whaling Commission debate over commercial whaling, and climate change threats to the Arctic.
Science of Animal Law and Policy (3 credits)
Scientific literacy is a cornerstone of advancing legal and policy efforts on behalf of animals. This course will provide an overview of foundational scientific concepts, scientific thinking and culture, and scientific vocabulary, and an introduction to how to use this information to inform effective animal protection law and policy.
COSTS
- Total program cost = $3,000
Total program cost includes tuition, housing, and some meals. Limited scholarships are available.
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