Building Your Curriculum

At COA, human ecology provides the framework to explore across disciplines and different ways of knowing. Concentrations let you build depth in areas that matter most to you, such as ecology and conservation, food systems, or interdisciplinary arts. You can also create your own concentration and, where your interests lead in multiple directions, pursue more than one.

Concentrations offer pathways through COA’s flexible curriculum. You’ll select courses that build knowledge and skills, supported by faculty mentors and advisors. Along the way, you’ll put what you learn into practice through internships, research, and community engagement. Your journey concludes with a self-designed senior project. This capstone, equivalent to at least a full term of work, is a significant intellectual and/or creative endeavor, such as a research project, experiment, or original artistic work, that synthesizes the skills and knowledge acquired during your time at COA.

More than 50% of COA alumni go on to pursue graduate degrees

Students are asked to choose a concentration at the end of their second year. To complete a concentration, students must take at least six credits from a set of designated courses, at least two of which must be at the intermediate or advanced level. While each concentration has specific requirements, students have considerable freedom to select which courses count toward their concentration, and many courses will meet the requirements of more than one concentration.

There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to a COA education. You’ll gain initial breadth and skill with the degree requirements, but your path will be defined by you.