The Plant and Soil Science program offered by The University of Vermont require that the student completes a research program and a schedule of classes that is designed by the student and his/her advisor to support the research study. Each student will be further supported by a study committee that comprises faculty with expertise in relevant areas of science. Research topics are usually supported by peer-reviewed grants and thus address important topics in Plant and Soil Science and allied fields.

Plant and Soil Science is an applied science department. Our faculty work on developing sustainable strategies and technologies that solve problems associated with agriculture and food systems. Reaching out to stakeholders, for example farmers and land managers but also the public at large is part of the tradition of Land Grant Universities and their agricultural departments. For this reason, requirements in our graduate programs include communication with science professionals through professional presentations, the public through outreach efforts, and undergraduate students by contributing in our teaching effort.