The University of Vermont and Vermont Law School are considering a joint program that would allow students to get both an undergraduate and a law degree in five years.
School officials said the joint program is one of several initiatives being explored to take advantage of the symmetries between the two institutions.
UVM spokesman Enrique Corredera said a major goal is to cut the time and cost of obtaining a post-graduate degree.
“This would give both institutions a way not only to potentially significantly reduce costs for students who would take advantage of the program, but also, we think, it could very well position both institutions to take better advantage of opportunities in the marketplace,” he said.
The two schools currently allow students interested in environmental science and policy to receive a dual master’s degree from Vermont Law and UVM.
Vermont Law Professor Cheryl Hanna said the potential new partnership is a good fit between two institutions that share similar values.
“One of the really great things about working with UVM on this project is that we’re the number one ranked environmental law school in this country and they really are the environmental university,” she said.
The new effort is dubbed the “Vermont 3-2” program. Students would get an undergraduate degree from UVM in three years, and a law degree in two.
School officials said the faculty of UVM and Vermont Law will need to approve this joint program.
The collaboration drew praise from Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Welch has sponsored legislation that encourages institutions of higher education to develop faster and more flexible opportunities for students to earn a degree.
