<p>Hi! I have lots of different interests so it's been hard finding colleges that fit me (see my earlier thread). I came across the College of the Atlantic when I was reading the Fiske guide and I really liked it. The human ecology major sounds really adaptable, which fits my interests. They're pretty good in marine science, which is what I think I want to do, so thats good too. The only thing that bothers me is it's reputation. I don't really care about prestige, but us news puts it in the 3rd tier which seems really low. Should that be worth considering? If I want to do marine science I need to get into a top graduate school so that worried me. If you know any similar colleges that would be great too. So far I've only found Bowdoin which I like a lot too. :) </p>
<p>Although Old Dominion is not excellent across the board, its marine biology program is well-respected.</p>
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<p>You might look into Warren Wilson in NC. It's fairly similar, although it doesn't have marine bio. Williams & Mystic Seaport might also be worth looking into, as well as the 5 College Consortium. I suggest having a broad biology background before specialization in grad school.</p>
<p>Thank you both. Any other opinions?</p>
<p>actually, for human ecology (their only major i believe?), they are very well respected among grad schools. i think that they are ranked so low is because it is such a specialized school and doesnt appeal to most students, despite the fact that their average sat is like a 1200.
i know a couple of people there who absolutely love it.</p>
<p>Lesley College in Cambridge, MA has a very interesting program called the Audubon Expedition Institute. I believe a total of four semesters are spent traveling and backpacking studying the environment.</p>
<p>huskem55, that's really good to hear. My parents have been pushing me to consider colleges like Bowdoin and Middlebury because people have heard of them. Do your friends think it is too small? 300 people seems really small but I've only heard good things about it.</p>
<p>unsoccermom, that program looks really cool!!! I've never heard of Lesley before, but I will definitely add it to my list!</p>
<p>You may want to check out UNC at Wilmington. They seem to have a pretty good marine bio program. I strongly suggest you do a "google search" for marine bio programs and check the collegeboard site where you can check out schools by major. Some human ecology majors, can be found in a large University settings including Cornell and I believe U of Delaware. Good luck with the search.</p>
<p>Human Ecology is a very adaptable major, and also applicable to anything you choose to do after your college career. Yes, there are several large universities that offer a major in Human Ecology; however that is one in hundreds of majors that they offer. At college of the Atlantic Human Ecology is not only THE major, but a philosophy of living that we truly believe in and act upon. It is an extremely credible college as academics are very rigorous in seminar style and field based courses with professors who know you and expect a lot. For each course you receive a personal, written evaluation which tells a lot about a person, as 80% of students perusing graduate school are accepted to their first choice. Marine studies is a popular field at COA, where students are consistently involved in marine field work from seal stranding to Humpback whale oddtopsies. The college owns and operates two research vessels and two offshore islands and research centers. COA provides a challenging, unique and enjoyable experience in any area of study. Our faculty are among the top in their field, and our student body is driven with a true sense of ways that they can make a difference. As a first year student, I couldnt imagine being anywhere else.</p>
<p>Jasminew- You are putting in a very good word for a school that doesn't get much attention on these boards. If my d wasn't through with the admission process, I might have checked this school out for her. In fact I am curious enough now to check out the website.<br>
It's really great when we can bring new schools to this forum.</p>
<p>If it's in Fiske it means a lot more than whatever US News says. I'll take a look at it myself though anything less than 900 students is a turnoff.</p>
<p>I know a graduate of the College of the Atlantic who loved it. Upon graduation, she attended the Smith M.S.W. program. (She is now about 28, I think.) Her father still complains about the price of her B.A.; when she was an undergraduate, the College of the Atlantic was the most expensive school in the country. For whatever it is worth, the food was excellent.</p>
<p>I have heard that Eckerd College and the University of Rhode Island are good for marine biology-just to throw in a couple of other programs.</p>