OpenFieldCollege of the Atlantic
College of the Atlantic is a globally acclaimed oceanfront liberal arts college in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine, dedicated exclusively to the interdisciplinary study of Human Ecology—the relationships between humans and their natural, social, and built environments.
Academic overview & excellence
At COA, all students design their own individualized course of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology. The coastal campus encompasses two organic working farms (Beech Hill Farm, Peggy Rockefeller Farm), two offshore island research stations (Mount Desert Rock, Great Duck Island), and direct access to Acadia National Park.
Research admissions & criteria
Admissions is holistic and test-optional, seeking intellectually adventurous and environmentally engaged scholars. International candidates submit secondary transcripts, personal essays, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 90, or Duolingo 115). COA meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
College of the Atlantic Human Ecology Presidential Grant
Major institutional award recognizing students with exceptional commitments to climate action, ecological conservation, and civic community leadership.
Mount Desert Rock Marine Mammal Research Field Fellowship
Ten-week residential summer marine biology fellowship based at Allied Whale's Edward McC. Blair Marine Station on Mount Desert Rock, studying finback and humpback whale photo-ID catalogs.
Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology
Self-designed interdisciplinary degree integrating environmental law, marine biology, documentary filmmaking, agroecology, and green architectural design.
Beech Hill Farm Organic Agroecology & Food Systems Practicum
Fourteen-week hands-on organic farming practicum at COA's 73-acre MOFGA-certified farm, studying no-till soil microbiology, heritage crop breeding, and CSA food sovereignty.
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Human Ecology
Two-year personalized research master's degree working one-on-one with senior human ecology faculty on a major thesis in conservation biology, eco-philosophy, or environmental art.
Acadia National Park Collaborative Wildlife Management Internship
Summer research practicum tracking peregrine falcon nest success, bat echolocation surveys, and coastal wetland water quality in Acadia National Park.
Certificate in Applied Eco-Literacy & Community Solar Development
Eight-week intensive summer course covering community solar financial modeling, municipal decarbonization policy, and microgrid engineering on offshore islands.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Darron Collins
President & Professor of Human Ecology · Office of the President
Dr. Darron Collins is President & Professor of Human Ecology in the Office of the President at College of the Atlantic, conducting advanced research in Cultural Anthropology, Indigenous Ethnobotany, Latin American Conservation.
Dr. Sean Todd
Steven K. Katona Chair in Marine Science & Director of Allied Whale · Department of Marine Science
Dr. Sean Todd is Steven K. Katona Chair in Marine Science & Director of Allied Whale in the Department of Marine Science at College of the Atlantic, conducting advanced research in Marine Mammal Bioacoustics, Baleen Whale Ecology, Anthropogenic Noise Pollution.
Dr. Ken Cline
David Rockefeller Family Chair in Ecosystem Management & Protection · Department of Environmental Law and Policy
Dr. Ken Cline is David Rockefeller Family Chair in Ecosystem Management & Protection in the Department of Environmental Law and Policy at College of the Atlantic, conducting advanced research in Public Lands Law, National Park Policy, Water Law and Watershed Governance.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with College of the Atlantic.