Vassar President Elizabeth H. Bradley was joined by University of Edinburgh Dean International (North America) Frank Cogliano yesterday afternoon to announce their schools’ new joint BA/MSc Program in Planetary Health and Environmental Sustainability, a unique degree that allows students to receive a bachelor’s degree from one of the United States’ top liberal arts colleges while also obtaining a Master of Science degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Most students who enroll in the program will obtain their Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in five years. Additionally, accepted students will be named “Edinburgh-Vassar Scholars” and expected to complete a summer research project between their Vassar junior and senior years in Edinburgh.

“Today we are amplifying our collaboration with the University of Edinburgh with the creation of this (Masters) program, and we could not think of a better partner,” said Bradley to the Vassar faculty and administrators attending the announcement.

Vassar and Edinburgh recognize the pressing and wide-ranging challenges of the global climate crisis and are joining forces to encourage passionate students to tackle these urgent issues head on. The program represents an outcome of the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts, an ongoing partnership between Vassar, Edinburgh, the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, Africa, and the Indian Institute of Technology (ITT) Bombay in Mumbai, India. The Collaborative seeks to support institutions of higher education as they explore integrating liberal arts content and pedagogy into their degree programs, as a way to better fulfill the promise of higher education globally.

“This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of our relationship with Vassar,” said Dean Cogliano. “This program provides a wonderful opportunity for both institutions and for our students who will be making positive contributions to addressing global health problems around the world.”

Who is Eligible to Apply

Vassar juniors (third years) who want to make an impact in the field of environmental science and sustainability may apply for this program, which combines the expansive intellectual approach of liberal arts with the applied sciences. The best candidates will have completed at least three courses relevant to environmental studies, climate sustainability, public health, or research methods when they apply. Applications are due in January, 2025 and candidates will be notified by March of their junior year.

Vassar student Tara Peterson ’25, who previously studied abroad at Edinburgh, shared takeaways from her overseas learning experience and thoughts on the new program. “The study of planetary health is more important than ever, and this program will give Vassar students the opportunity to study on the other side of the world,” said Peterson.

Edinburgh-Vassar Scholars

Accepted students will be named “Edinburgh-Vassar Scholars” and will be expected to complete a summer research project between their Vassar junior and senior years in Edinburgh, under the direction of a Vassar faculty advisor working in collaboration with faculty of the MSc program at the University of Edinburgh. This project may include research and writing for the Planetary Health blog in the Edinburgh Futures Institute; undertaking community-projects; conducting a project on sustainability for a relevant agency, institution, or company; or completing independent research at the intersections of health, environment, and economic systems.

After the research project, Edinburgh-Vassar Scholars will return to Vassar to complete their senior (fourth) year and graduate. They will then matriculate as MSc students the following fall and complete the MSc over the following year.

About Vassar

Founded in 1861 and based in Poughkeepsie, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation, and for the beauty of its campus, just 85 miles north of New York City. Originally founded to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar became coeducational in 1969.

About University of Edinburgh

Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Located in Scotland’s capital, the University has a vibrant academic community, fostering diverse fields of study across its multiple colleges, including humanities, medicine, science, and engineering.