College of the Atlantic
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

College of the Atlantic offers one degree, the BA in Human Ecology. At COA, human ecology is understood to be the interdisciplinary study of the relations among humans and their natural, social, and built environments.

College of the Atlantic's Sustainable Food Systems Program engages students in examining the social, cultural, political, ecological, and economic implications of the ways food is perceived, produced, and consumed. A Sustainable Food Systems focus facilitates the development of skills, useful to students who choose work in the fields of food and agriculture policy, community development, public health, land conservation, community food security, global and local activism, agriculture education, food business, and small-scale farming. COA does not have a formal system for designating minors or concentrations within its one academic program in Human Ecology. Nevertheless, it does designate several programs. A program at COA is an interdisciplinary academic area in which the college has intentionally chosen to create sufficient depth and breadth to allow students to gain a broad range of experiences and skills so they may pursue a career in this area. Farming & Food Systems is one such program.

In COA's Sustainable Business program, we teach how the power of environmentally and socially focused business strategies bring about positive change in the world while also strengthening the enterprise itself. The Sustainable Business program at COA includes both for-profit and non-profit ventures. COA does not have a formal system for designating minors or concentrations within its one academic program in human ecology. Nevertheless, it does designate several programs. A program at COA is an interdisciplinary academic area in which the college has intentionally chosen to create sufficient depth and breadth to allow students to gain a broad range of experiences and skills so they may pursue a career in this area. Sustainable Business is one such program.

Students focusing on Field Ecology & Natural History choose a set of foundational courses that afford a solid base for advanced studies. In all biology classes, we emphasize the importance of understanding the organism in its natural environment and the role humans have played in shaping that environment. COA takes an ecological approach throughout the curriculum: Students discover interrelationships between organisms and their environments. Unlike at most other colleges, sciences at COA are not insulated from other areas of study. At COA, we believe that historical, aesthetic, economic, political, and literary analysis and modes of thought enhance the scientific method. Students are therefore encouraged to design a course of study synthesizing knowledge from different disciplines -- this synthesis often including Field Ecology and Natural History. Students have additional, supplementary opportunities to get involved in environmental politics and conservation policy. COA does not have a formal system for designating minors or concentrations within its one academic program in human ecology. Nevertheless, it does designate several programs. A program at COA is an interdisciplinary academic area in which the college has intentionally chosen to create sufficient depth and breadth to allow students to gain a broad range of experiences and skills so they may pursue a career in this area. Field Ecology & Natural History is one such program.

Climate Change & Energy: http://coa.edu/academics/areas-of-study/climate-change-energy/ Environmental Law & Politics: http://coa.edu/academics/areas-of-study/environmental-law-politics/ Community Planning & Ecological Policy: http://coa.edu/academics/areas-of-study/community-planning-ecological-policy/