Skip to main content

Master's and Non-Degree Certificate Programs

Layout Builder

Graduate Degrees
Master of Climate and Environmental Policy »

The Master of Climate and Environmental Policy (MCEP) provides training in applied public policy, with a deep grounding in areas of climate change and environmental justice.
(Offered residentially and online)
Apply

Executive Master of Environmental Policy »

The Executive Master of Environmental Policy (EMEP) degree is for mid-career professionals who want to capitalize on their working knowledge and experience and gain the core skills needed to shape environmental policy and integrate issues of racial and economic justice into policymaking.
(Offered residentially and online)
Apply

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is a 36-credit interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students the tools necessary to understand and solve complex issues related to public policy.
(Starting online in Fall 2024)
Apply

Master of Energy Regulation and Law »

The Master of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL) program responds to opportunities presented by the rapid growth of the clean energy sector.
(Offered residentially and online)
Apply

Master of Food and Agricultural Law and Policy »

The Master of Food and Agricultural Law and Policy (MFALP) is designed for students who want to develop the infrastructure needed to support sustainable food and agriculture systems.
(Offered residentially and online)
Apply

Master of Arts in Restorative Justice »

The MARJ program was created for students who want to address deficiencies in our justice system and become the next generation of justice leaders.
(Offered residentially and online)
Apply

Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice »

The MARJ program was created for students who want to address deficiencies in our justice system and become the next generation of justice leaders.
(Offered residentially and online)
Apply

Master of Legal Studies »

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is a one-year, 30-credit program designed for non-lawyers who would like to learn about U.S. laws and regulations. This program will help students develop legal knowledge, skills, and networks in specific areas of law tailored to their career interests.
(Online, on campus, or hybrid flexible options)
Apply

Master of Animal Protection Policy »

The Master of Animal Protection Policy (MAPP) trains students in the policy advocacy skills needed to effectively advocate for animals.
Apply

Application Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that will be considered in the application review include:

  • GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools
  • Successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree
  • Essays as described below
  • Letters of recommendation from professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors
  • OPTIONAL: Official GRE Score
    Neither the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) nor the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for applicants to the Masters programs. However students who have taken the exam may submit their scores to support their application. Scores should be sent directly to the school (GRE & LSAT School Code: 3946) for consideration.

Application Requirements

Check-list of Materials

  • Completed application form
  • $60.00 (USD) application fee
        Waived for any new Masters’, LLM or PCRJ application received by April 15th. If applying for a LLM through LSAC, please request a fee waiver code by emailing your admissions counselor or admiss@vermontlaw.edu.
  • Professional resume or curriculum vitae
  • Essays as described below
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • All applicants whose native language is not English and have not lived or studied in an English-speaking country for at least two years must submit TOEFL, PTE or IELTS scores

Application Form

To apply for our master's programs for both on-campus and online, please use the VLGS Web Application. International master's applicants will need to include the additional english proficiency requirements and transcript evaluations described on the VLGS international applicants page.

Application Fee

Vermont Law and Graduate School has an application fee of $60.00 (USD).
    Waived for any new Masters’, LLM or PCRJ application received by April 15th. If applying for a LLM through LSAC, please request a fee waiver code by emailing your admissions counselor or admiss@vermontlaw.edu.

Required Essays

  • Goals Essay (500 word limit) - In essay format, describe the goals that are motivating you to pursue a graduate program.  How do you think the skills and experience you will gain at Vermont Law and Graduate School will help you achieve these goals?
  • Diversity Statement (300 word limit) In what ways would you contribute to and/or support Vermont Law and Graduate School's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Optional Essay

  • Give a realistic appraisal of your academic work since graduation from high school. Please note any inconsistencies in your record and the reasons for them.
  • How have you tried to effect change in relation to an issue of personal, local, or national significance?

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • It is preferred that one of the two required letters of recommendation be academic in nature. If an applicant has been out of school for a number of years, two professional letters will be accepted.
  • Recommenders should email their recommendations to admiss@vermontlaw.edu or send directly to the admissions office. Letters received directly from applicants will not be accepted.

International Applicants

If you are currently enrolled at an institution which has an established International Dual Degree partnership with VLGS, please work through your home-institution's processes in order to apply for an opportunity to learn at VLGS. For individuals outside of the United States who are not currently enrolled at another institution, or who are enrolled at an institution that VLGS does not have a formal partnership with, please note the following additional application requirements:

INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATION REQUIREMENT

  • All international transcripts must be evaluated by an official evaluation agency. Recommended evaluation agencies include Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE.org), World Education Services (WES.org) and Spantran (SPANTRAN.com).

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE score is required of all students for whom English is not the primary language spoken. Applicants who have studied in the U.S. or at an English-speaking institution for more than two years may be waived from this requirement.
    • TOEFL minimum score: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, 100 Internet-based
    • IELTS minimum score: 6.5
    • Duolingo minimum score: 110
    • PTE minimum score: 68

Decision Notification

Vermont Law and Graduate School reviews applications on a rolling basis. The Admission Committee reviews all complete applications and applicants are notified promptly of the admission decision. Vermont Law and Graduate School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

Deposit

An applicant offered admission must make a total non-refundable tuition deposit of $750 by the deposit deadlines indicated in the offer of admission in order to secure a place in the incoming class. The deposit will be applied in full toward the student's tuition upon enrollment.

Opportunities and Options

If you have any questions about the following, please contact the Admissions team via the information at the bottom of this page.

Online Learning Opportunities

Several of our master's and non-degree programs can be completed in whole, or in part, online. Application requirements are identical for online applicants. For more information, see Online Degrees.

Duration And Start

Most students pursue these master's programs on a full-time basis over one year (12 months), or online in 22 months. Students can take courses on a part-time basis and have up to five years to obtain their degree.  Non-degree certificates are 9-credit programs that must be completed within two years. 

Financial Aid Opportunities

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers tuition scholarships to exceptional master's candidates each year. In addition to possessing strong academic records, scholarship recipients must demonstrate a commitment to environmental law and policy and public service. There is no separate application process for scholarships; all admitted candidates will be given full consideration. See Tuition & Financial Aid for all scholarship opportunities for master's candidates.

Joint DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in pursuing a joint degree, see How to Apply to Joint Degree Programs for more information. Please note that admission to a master's program does not ensure admission to a joint degree program.

Dual DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in pursuing a dual degree, see How to Apply to a Dual Degree Program. Please note that admission to a master's program does not ensure admission to a dual degree program.

Transfer Credits

Credits received at other institutions transfer at the discretion of the VLGS Registrar.

Contact Us

Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about admissions or programs.

Toll free: 888-277-5985
Phone: 802-831-1239
Email: admiss@vermontlaw.edu

Vermont Law and Graduate School
Office of Admissions
164 Chelsea Street, PO Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068