Castleton University is dedicated to educating future leaders of Vermont and beyond, just as it has been since its founding in 1787. With more than 230 years of service to students, Castleton is Vermont’s first institution of higher education, and the 18th oldest in the U.S. Steeped in history, the University cherishes its long-standing tradition of educating the future leaders of Vermont and beyond.
Sixty-five percent of Castleton’s 2,000 students call Vermont home, while the rest come from across the U.S. and more than 35 countries. New England and the Middle Atlantic states are the most predominant areas represented in the University’s out-of-state students.
Castleton students are positioned for success the moment they arrive on campus thanks to the First-Year Seminar, an immersive program designed to teach new students how to navigate and excel in their educational pursuits. First-year students also benefit from an innovative cultural program known as Soundings, which introduces a world of theater, music, dance, film, debate, and lecture by renowned performers and scholars.
Student Life
Eleven residence halls provide more than just housing to 1,100 students; living on campus provides opportunities for students to build community, interact with peers, learn to respect and appreciate differences, and become involved in community governance. Each residence hall room is comfortably furnished, and equipped with wireless high-speed internet.
Students further their experience outside of the classroom with more than 50 clubs and organizations including club sports, a nationally-recognized student newspaper, an internet radio station, and clubs related to politics and government, academic majors, and community service.
Vermont provides a majestic backdrop for an active student body that takes advantage of free skiing at nearby Pico Mountain, some of the best hiking and biking trails in the state, and countless other outdoor recreational opportunities provided by nearby Lake Bomoseen. At the varsity level, Castleton sponsors 28 NCAA Division III sports including men’s and women’s alpine skiing, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s golf, men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s Nordic skiing, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s track & field, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s volleyball, women’s rugby, and wrestling. In addition to the more than 600 student-athletes participating in a varsity sport, there are also many intramural opportunities throughout the year that serve the entire student population in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
With nearly $100 million in infrastructure improvements since 2002, Castleton’s facilities are among the finest in New England as virtually every building on campus has either been built or renovated during that time. The largest project of the past decade was focused solely on the student experience, and resulted in a $25.7 million project that included a new multi-sport stadium, athletic complex, and campus center.
Location
Nestled at the base of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west, Castleton is located in a quintessential Vermont village. The small-town atmosphere, safety, and authenticity surround the University, but it is also just a short drive from two of Vermont’s largest cities of Rutland and Burlington. Major cities such as New York, Boston, Hartford, and Montreal are all just a train ride or easy drive away, and students also have access to Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, which supports flights in and out of Boston several times each day.
Academic Programs
Castleton offers over 75 programs of study for undergraduate and graduate students. Students may pursue bachelor’s degrees in: accounting, American literature, art, biology, chemistry, children’s literature, computer information systems, criminal justice, digital media, ecological studies, economics, elementary education, English, environmental science, exercise science, forensic psychology, geography, geology, global studies, graphic design, health education, health science, history, journalism, kinesiology, management, marketing, mass media, mathematics, music, music education, nursing, philosophy, physical education, political science, psychology, public relations, secondary education, social studies, social work, sociology, Spanish, special education, sport management, theater arts, world literature, and women’s and gender studies.
Associate degrees may be pursued in: business, media and communication, computer programming, criminal justice, and general studies.
Castleton offers advanced degrees in school psychology, education with teacher licensure, curriculum and instruction, special education, educational leadership, athletic training, music education, accounting, athletic leadership, and a master of business administration.
Experiential Learning
Castleton University is committed to providing a holistic educational experience, relying on a strong liberal arts foundation to provide students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace. This foundation is complemented by a focus on career preparation through experiential learning. With more than 400 partnerships in the region, Castleton offers students hands-on opportunities through civic engagement, internships, and research.
Students benefit from access to local employers, a state-of-the-art maker’s space, and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit in the region. In 2017, Castleton was the recipient of a five-year grant from the McNair Foundation worth more than $1 million to help its students gain entry into doctoral programs. This new addition complements the growing number of pre-professional offerings such as pre-law, pre-med, and pre-pharmacy, as well as the countless research opportunities available through student–faculty partnerships and other off-campus opportunities.
Undergraduate students typically enroll in five courses each 15-week semester. In addition to the traditional calendar, Castleton also offers summer and January terms to allow students to stay on track for degree completion. Learn more at castleton.edu.