On my recent college visit trip to Maine, I uncovered another hidden gem that is a great option for students interested in the field of human ecology. At the College of the Atlantic (COA) in Bar Harbor, ME, all of the approximately 350 students design their own degree in human ecology by choosing clusters of topics in different related areas that most intrigue them (from farming & food systems to biomedical studies & molecular biology to sustainable business to marine science, and more)! The unique COA approach is interdisciplinary and experiential, with a focus on working collaboratively for positive change.
This small private college is located on Mount Desert Island, in the Acadia National Park, which provides easy access to an amazing outdoor laboratory of bays, mountains, trees, and wildlife. As you might expect, their focus on sustainability is easily seen on campus with their farm and forest properties, community gardens, sustainable buildings, and policies for waste minimization & recycling.
I love their community connections - one example being the on-campus Dorr Museum of Natural History in which visitors and community members can learn about the natural history of Maine through interactive displays and programs - all of which are designed and produced by COA students.
My impression of campus was that it had a decidedly laid back feel and quite a lot of happy students who loved being able to direct their own studies and pursue academics in a less scripted way than many other traditional colleges offer. The strong sense of community extended from the cottage-like residences to the easy to access outdoor activities (kayaking, sailing,etc.) to the wide variety of delicious food options at the dining hall, accommodating vegan, vegetarian, and carnivore diets alike.
COA draws students from over 40 states and 45 countries. All students complete an internship and a senior capstone project as part of their degree program. COA’s holistic admissions process is test-optional and they specifically look for students demonstrating intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, and an ability to thrive in a self-directed environment. If you know of a student interested in some aspect of human ecology, this may be an option for consideration.
There are many colleges and universities available to students, depending on their interests and career goals. Confident College Planning helps families uncover a variety of new options they may not have heard of and guides students all throughout the application process. Contact me at nancy@confidentcollegeplanning.com for assistance – I would love to help you on your college planning journey!
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