Our Curriculum

When we talk about the academic experience at GMC, the terms 'interdisciplinary,' 'field-based,' and 'service-oriented' describe our educational philosophy.

Field-Based: We believe it is essential for students to engage the world as they learn. Our biologically diverse natural surroundings create an excellent laboratory for scientific and environmental exploration, but it doesn't stop with science. The humanities, social sciences, and professional studies also emphasize field-based experience, through activities like collecting oral histories, helping local non-profits and working on rural poverty.

Interdisciplinary: Our faculty are as comfortable crossing disciplinary boundaries as they are conveying their specific expertise. They serve as role models: They are the widely educated, engaged citizens that we hope our students will become. All faculty teach in the interdisciplinary environmental liberal arts program, and many contribute to our signature block courses.

Service-Oriented: More than half of our faculty in any given semester integrate service-learning into their coursework. This cultivates in students a sense of responsibility for the welfare of others. The College's full-time sustainability & service learning coordinator fosters community relationships and seeks service-learning opportunities for students.

Environmental Liberal Arts Program
Our 37-credit Environmental Liberal Arts Program combines the skills and content of a strong liberal arts course of study with a focus on the environment.

Its four core courses provide a common learning experience and body of knowledge that fosters a sense of community. They also strengthen skills that apply to all academic majors. In recognition of the complex connections between humans and the natural world, each of these courses draws on expertise from a variety of disciplines.