College of the Atlantic - a world-class school

College of the Atlantic (COA) is a bold, innovative, and inspiring academic institution in Bar Harbor, Maine that offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on sustainable environmental and human resources. The college campus nestles among the craggy granite bluffs and glorious evergreen forests of Mount Desert Island on Maine’s beautiful coast.

Founded in 1969, COA is the only US college that emphasizes applied and experiential learning through an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability. This hands-on approach to education emphasizes the connections between people, nature, and culture and empowers the next generation of environmental stewards and Social innovators to lead lives of engaged citizenship in a changing world.

COA is both a conservationist’s paradise and a humanist think-tank. The college offers a challenging and high-engagement undergraduate curriculum with programs in Natural Science, Human Ecology, Arts, and Social Sciences and Humanities. The college comprises four schools: School of Human Ecology; School of Arts; School of Natural Science; and School of Social Science & Humanities. Each school offers a diverse range of courses that are designed to combine real-world applications with theory-based study.

The student body of COA is diverse and international, drawing students from every state in the US. COA also proudly welcomes international students from around the world who are keen to explore their academic passions with a focus on sustainability within an amazing coastal environment.

COA’s spectacular location on Mount Desert Island offers incredible outdoor recreational opportunities just minutes away from campus. Acadia National Park is right at hand and provides countless opportunities for exploration and adventure—from biking up Cadillac Mountain to boating over to islands in Frenchman Bay. COA also offers a variety of student clubs, trips, activities, sports teams, and other ways to engage in the local Bar Harbor community.

In addition to its degree programs, COA offers exciting Fellowships for graduates who want to make an even greater impact on their communities. These Fellowships foster collaboration across disciplines as well as between students, faculty members, staff members, alumni–all dedicated to building more sustainable communities for future generations.

College of the Atlantic is an inspiring place where individuals come together to apply their knowledge towards real-world solutions for sustainable living. It combines academics, experiential learning and community engagement for people who want to be thought leaders in their field. Take action today and explore College of the Atlantic’s cutting-edge approach to sustainability and learn how you can make a real difference in our world!