Non-Degree Courses

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Courses for Credit for Non-Degree Students at VLGS

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers several options for students to experience our curriculum without enrolling in a degree program.

Summer Sessions at VLGS

Environmental Law Center Summer
The Environmental Law Center assembles an exciting group of scholars, students, and distinguished visitors to study environmental law and policy during the most glorious time of year in northern New England.

In addition to Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) students, our Summer Session is open to students from other schools and lifelong learners. We welcome students enrolled at other law schools and graduate institutions nationally and internationally, practicing attorneys, planners, state and federal agency personnel, upper-level undergraduate students (with the director’s permission), teachers, journalists, citizen advocates, and more.

Courses are taught by faculty from VLGS and other schools, international law scholars, leaders of non-profit advocacy groups, and private practitioners. Whether a student is interested in a specific area of study—such as energy law, international environmental law, water law, land use law, animal law, or agricultural law—or wishes to pursue a multidisciplinary approach, the summer program offers a wide array of options.

VLGS campus is located on the banks of the scenic White River in South Royalton, Vermont. Students enjoy world-class hiking, biking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding hills and mountains, while nearby towns like Montpelier, Burlington, and Woodstock feature fine dining, arts, and entertainment.

View the Summer Session 2024 course catalog here.

Summer at the Center for Justice Reform
The Center for Justice Reform is excited to welcome students, lawyers, professionals from across other disciplines, and interested community members to learn about restorative justice during our Summer Session.

Restorative justice invites a different approach to harm and conflict, one that focuses on healing and repair. While as complex and unique as truly every human, a restorative process is equally as flexible and adaptable across situations and systems. Its adaptability offers tremendous hope for overcoming broken relationships, harm caused, and adversarial systems, while building deeper connection and understanding in all communities, personal and professional.

The Summer Session is a time to explore your interest in restorative justice and is open to students from other graduate schools, nationally and internationally, as well as non-degree students and professionals. Whether you are focusing on core required classes, exploring an area of interest through an elective, or toward a Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice, our Summer Session offers a variety of options to meet your needs and interests.

Undergraduate Summer Programs in Law

Are you an undergraduate student committed to developing new ways of thinking about crime and justice or environmental law and policy? Vermont Law and Graduate School’s New Frontiers program is designed to provide undergraduate students the chance to take graduate-level courses over the summer.

In addition to coursework, students will have opportunities to connect with VLGS Faculty and Staff to learn the basics of Vermont Law and Graduate School. Students will work with a mentor to assist them through their courses and provide a fun summer experience while they stay in Vermont. Courses run for two weeks. Students are not responsible for housing.

Environmental Law and Policy
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.

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.

Restorative Justice and the Law
Are you an undergraduate student committed to developing new ways of thinking about crime and justice? The undergraduate Restorative Justice (RJ) program provides undergraduate students interested in restorative justice an opportunity to learn the value of restorative and innovative criminal justice programs.

Learn from leaders in restorative justice at our Center for Justice Reform, which addresses deficiencies in the criminal justice system and other responses to harm, conflict, and crime.
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 restorative justice offered as part of the VLGS Summer Session program.
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.

Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice

Students complete the Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice online, on campus, or a hybrid of both. To obtain the certificate a student must earn a minimum of 9 credits through enrollment in at least three courses.

Students pursuing the Professional Certificate must take one of the foundational courses, Principles of Restorative Justice or Restorative Justice Theory and Practice or Origins, Evolution, and Critical Issues in Restorative Justice. The remaining courses are chosen from an approved list of electives. A student pursuing a Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice may apply Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice credits toward the Master of Arts in Restorative Justice with approval from the Director of the Center for Justice Reform.