The Classroom and Beyond
Are you ready to pursue your passions and design your own path? Academics at Sterling College let you craft a unique, personalized education in environmental stewardship. In small classes—usually under 11 students—you’ll explore the critical issues of our day: humanity’s relationship with the natural world and each other, and the stewardship of our air, water, soil, food, and climate. You’ll have classes on campus in a laboratory or seminar room, on the side of a mountain, or in a barn or pasture.
Rigorous, Experiential & Place-based Academics
You’ll also work one-on-one with our academic and practitioner faculty to delve deeper into issues of environmentalism, education and sustainability. In independent studies and research projects , you’ll design learning objectives and explore issues in a hands-on, experiential way.
Faculty are drawn to the College to do more than just lecture—they are mentors and guides, constantly engaging with students in the classroom, in the field, and in the community.
Majors
Ecology
Ecology Education rooted in forests, mountains, and rivers What are the habitat requirements for migrating songbirds that breed in the North Woods? How does geology affect forest composition and forest…
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Environmental Humanities
What is Environmental Humanities? Taking an ecological perspective on the humanities means that students look at a broad view of the ways humans engage with nature—from regional and global literary…
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Outdoor Education
GET OUTSIDE Expand Your Relationship with Nature As an Outdoor Education major at Sterling College, you will become comfortable learning and teaching in the outdoors at all times of year,…
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Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
Cultivate your best self Shape a more resilient food and farming future The study of sustainable agriculture and food systems encompasses the range of interrelated processes, practices, institutions, and knowledge…
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Self-Designed Major
Choose your own adventure with a Self-Designed Major! Sterling College tends to attract independent-minded souls, so it’s no surprise that many Sterling students choose our interdisciplinary Self-Designed Major. Actually, around…
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Climate Justice
Climate Justice Minor What is Climate Justice? Should privileged countries and communities bear more responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions? What are the systems and interests perpetuating the carbon dioxide emissions?…
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Draft Animal Power Systems
Draft Animal Power Systems Sterling College is one of the rare places where you can get hands-on draft animal experience, working daily with these heavy animals. As a Draft Animal…
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Natural History Minor
Natural History Minor How can we recognize the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms with which we share the world? What are their lives like? How do species and whole…
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Natural Resources Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation Minor Sterling College students pursuing a minor in Natural Resources Conservation examine local and global conservation issues, including natural resources sustainability and biodiversity protection. Courses provide students…
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Education Studies
Education Studies Minor The Education Studies minor is designed to allow students from a variety of majors (including self-designed) to enhance their professional portfolio with an immersion of courses that explore…
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What is Environmental Humanities? Taking an ecological perspective on the humanities means that students look at a broad view of the ways humans engage with nature—from regional and global literary…
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School of the New American Farmstead
The School of the New American Farmstead offers leading-edge courses & Professional Certificates in regenerative farming and artisanal food production to support professionals and lifelong learners of all ages.
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