Through an articulation agreement between the two colleges, Wilson students who qualify can pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability at Wilson, followed by guaranteed admission to Vermont Law’s Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) program.
Some credits would be shared between the two institutions and to expedite the master’s program, students would take two online courses from Vermont Law while attending Wilson. After their junior year, they could enter Vermont Law’s summer program. Both degrees would be completed at the same time.
“This agreement with Vermont Law School offers our students an incredible opportunity to earn a degree from Wilson, as well as from one of the top environmental law schools in the country, in just four years,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. “This is Wilson’s third 3+1 program, which allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at a cost that is less than a four-year bachelor’s degree alone, and dovetail with our efforts to make a quality education more affordable for students and families.”
The agreement will give Wilson students a distinct advantage in gaining admission to Vermont Law, which U.S.News & World Report has ranked No. 1 in the nation for environmental law for an unprecedented six consecutive years. In addition, the school is rated among the nation’s Top 20 for clinical training.
“We are pleased to offer Wilson students an opportunity to earn a MELP degree from Vermont Law, where they’ll not only learn the law but also how to use it to effect change,” said Cheryl Hanna, vice president for external relations at Vermont Law. “By studying advocacy, legislation, regulations, and markets, they will have the tools they need to create a more sustainable world.”
A master’s degree in environmental law and policy can lead to a variety of career options, according to Edward Wells, director of Wilson’s Environmental Studies Program, who facilitated the articulation agreement.
“It prepares graduates for jobs ranging from public service or working at a federal agency like the EPA to running a nonprofit environmental organization,” said Wells, who also teaches environmental studies. “Graduates could work as an energy consultant or an environmental educator, or they could continue their studies and obtain a law degree.”
The 3+1 agreement builds upon an existing relationship between Vermont Law and Wilson, which is known for its environmental studies programs and commitment to environmental sustainability. The two institutions signed an agreement in 2008 that guarantees Wilson graduates admission to Vermont Law if they meet standards in grade-point average and entrance exam scores. For more information about the 3+1 agreement, contact the Wilson College Office of Admissions at 800-421-8402 or visit www.wilson.edu.
In addition to Wilson College, Vermont Law School has fostered partnerships with the University of Vermont; Boston University; Green Mountain College; Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; Morehouse College and Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga.; Johnson State College and Community College of Vermont. For more information about these partnerships, email Cheryl Hanna, call 802-831-1282 or visit www.vermontlaw.edu.