Wilson College and Vermont Law School, the top-ranked environmental law school in the nation, recently forged an agreement that will allow qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Wilson and a master’s degree from VLS in just four years.

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 VLS 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 allow 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.

“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 VLS. “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.”

Vermont Law School, a private, independent institution, offers a Juris Doctor curriculum that emphasizes public service; two master’s degrees (Master of Environmental Law and Policy, and Master of Energy Regulation and Law), and three post-J.D. degrees — LL.M. in American Legal Studies (for foreign-trained lawyers), LL.M. in Energy Law, and LL.M. in Environmental Law. The school features innovative experiential programs and is home to the Environmental Law Center, the South Royalton Legal Clinic and the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic.

The 3+1 agreement builds upon the existing relationship between VLS and Wilson, which is known for its environmental studies programs and has a commitment to environmental sustainability as part of its mission statement. The two institutions signed an agreement in 2008 that guaranteed Wilson graduates admission to VLS if they meet standards in grade-point average and entrance exam scores.

For more information, contact the Wilson College Office of Admissions at 800-421-8402 or visit www.wilson.edu.

For more information about Vermont Law School, visit www.vermontlaw.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 1, 2014
CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations
Phone: 717-262-2604
Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu