COA Academic Program Academic Program College of the Atlantic's curriculum in human ecology encourages students to seek out connections implicit in ecology and to apply these to humans.
Most environmental problems stem from different kinds of human behaviors and interactions.
Unlike colleges which offer liberal arts degrees only in specific majors, COA emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the arts and sciences. Though several formalized concentrations of study exist in different areas, students are free to develop personal concentrations of study which allow focus on a singular interest or a combination of interests. For example, while some students concentrate solely on a singular focus, such as marine biology, environmental design, or public policy, others develop concentrations of study which combine such divergent interests as painting, psychology and botany. Students at COA need not forgo an interest in one area at the expense of another. An education at COA allows for personal expression through one's education.