Collegiate Programs
Merry Lea staff and faculty teach students within the Sustainability and Environmental Education Department (SEED), an academic department of Goshen College.
Undergraduate to Graduate Studies in Sustainability and Environmental Education
Students not only have the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences built around Goshen College’s interdisciplinary and intercultural frameworks, but have the opportunity to live and learn in the field at Merry Lea. Central to SEED’s philosophy are:
1. We believe in the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability and education.
2. We believe students have the power to help build healthy and resilient societies.
3. We believe in the power of place.
4. We believe in the power of community.
Master of Arts in Environmental Education
This 11-month graduate program immerses students in natural history, ecological field research, current issues in environmental education, developing leadership and extensive PreK-12 teaching opportunities. Live, study, explore and teach onsite in the outdoor classroom of Merry Lea.
Sustainability Studies Major and Minor
This undergraduate major takes a place-based approach to understanding sustainability in whole community systems. Grapple with complex environmental and social problems in interdisciplinary courses and apply what you’re learning through internships and field trips to discover your place in the sustainability movement.
Sustainability Semester
This new full semester program at Merry Lea combines the best of elements of two long-running GC programs (the ASI and the SLS). It will include courses on sustainable agriculture, freshwater ecology, food systems, and sustainability spirituality & ethics. Students will live and learn at the college’s Merry Lea field station, take an 8-day canoe trip through the Elkhart/St. Joe watershed, and meet professionals from across the region on weekly field trips.