Situated on 37 acres on Mount Desert Island, College of the Atlantic is a small liberal-arts college that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees solely in human ecology. College of the Atlantic is fairly experimental in its teaching methods, with tons of field-based learning, and lots of community involvement. The campus centers around two organic farms, and two off-shore island research stations. The school’s environmental focus is particularly evident in campaigns to increase sustainability. College of the Atlantic was the first campus to make a multi-year commitment to being powered entirely by renewable energy, and the first school to hold a zero carbon footprint graduation.
Though only a few hundred students in size, College of the Atlantic offers many outdoor orientation programs that explore Maine’s wilderness. These trips range from rock climbing, sailing, sea kayaking, cycling, diving, to backpacking. For those wishing to explore the wilderness on their own, much of Mt. Desert Island (home to College of the Atlantic) is covered by Acadia National Park, with scores of beautiful harbors, sounds, lakes, and ponds.
