College of the Atlantic

College of the Atlantic is a small college deeply committed to interdisciplinary study and preparing students to make a difference in the world. All students at COA design their own majors, with three main resource areas: Arts and Design, Environmental Sciences, and Human Studies.

Whether observing whales from the college's research vessel, pursuing an independent photo-journalism project in the Yucatan, studying international treaties, converting a campus building to solar power, or volunteering on one of COA's organic farms, students at COA learn from experience both inside and outside the classroom.

At COA each student designs his or her own course of study in human ecology. Faculty at the College are passionate about teaching and relish interacting with their students, which allows students to pursue their interests with academic guidance and enthusiasm. With an advisor, students are encouraged to chart their educational journeys based on their individual goals and passions.

Academics here are rigorous, with an approach to learning where students not only think, read, and write, but also create, act, and do. Studies here bring together perspectives from multiple disciplines to address issues facing our world. Academic pursuits will lead from classroom, studio, and laboratory to field, island, and community. COA students push themselves, expand their thinking, and explore new paradigms.

The Atlantic Ocean is our front yard, and Acadia National Park is in our back yard. An inspiring and close-knit community, there is room at COA both for lively academic discussions and solitary contemplation. There are also opportunities to expand beyond the campus: more than half of COA students include international study in their curriculum, and 100% of our students complete an internship while they work toward their degree.

Students and faculty come to COA because they long to enhance the good in the world while discovering new ways to transmute the difficulties.