Non-Degree Courses

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Summer Sessions at VLGS

Environmental Law Center Summer Session
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 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 2025 courses 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 working toward a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice, our Summer Session offers a variety of options to meet your needs and interests.

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Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice

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

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Essays as described below
• One (1) letter of recommendation (second recommendation is optional)
• 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

Required Essay

• 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?

Optional Essays

• Vermont Law and Graduate School’s motto is Law for the Community and the World. In what ways would you contribute to and/or support VLGS’ commitment to communities?
• 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?

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Non-Degree Students

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

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Letter of good standing/approval *required if taking courses for credit
• Transcripts from current, most recent, or undergraduate degrees *required if taking courses for credit

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Alumni Class Auditing

VLGS alumni are able to audit classes at a discounted rate. To learn more, please contact the Admissions Office or apply now.