Middlebury California Coast and Climate Semester

Spend the winter and spring semesters at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) learning from experts addressing the climate crisis. Set against the backdrop of the California Coast — communities at the forefront of U.S. environmental policy — this program uses the region as a case study to explore global issues of climate change, resilience, and environmental justice. As undergraduate students, you have access to exceptional resources at MIIS, including its Master of Arts in Environmental Policy and Management and the Center for the Blue Economy. This access offers a unique opportunity to learn, research, and innovate in the field of climate and environmental studies.

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Academic Structure

With the California Coast and Climate Semester, students take up to 18 credits - two core courses over the winter and spring terms and elective courses within the Environmental Policy and Management program. Enrolling in a course outside this curriculum (e.g. language) is allowed with approval.

During winter-term, students spend January in an immersive learning experience studying the dynamic and rapidly changing California coast. Through interdisciplinary course and place-based learning, students explore the complex history of a region rich in natural resources to expand perspectives on the interdependencies of society and the environment. Students visit renowned locations such as the Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Point Lobos. Throughout the winter-term, students will develop essential skills for effectively communicating complex solutions related to climate change, resilience, and environmental justice.

During the spring-term, students will directly enroll in courses offered at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, including a core course uniquely designed for the California Coast and Climate semester. Throughout the semester, students will learn alongside graduate students and hear from experts working across disciplines creating pathways for just and resilient climate solutions.

Coast and Climate Core Courses

Monterey Stories, Cultures, and Environments (winter term)
Climate and Society (spring term)

Sample Spring-term Elective Courses

Sustainable Cities
Climate Migration
Governing the Global Commons
Environmental Leadership
Applied Conservation Science and Policy
Strategic Communications
Taking Measure of Unmeasurable
Advanced Data Analysis
Organizational Development & Leadership
International Crisis Negotiation Exercise

Note: Use the course schedule to find details about each course. This is not a comprehensive list and may change from semester to semester.

Dates

The California Coast and Climate Semester runs early January to mid-May. Click here for the 2024-2025 MIIS calendar and check out the following pages for more information about Dates and Fees, Admissions, and Housing.

Study Away + Study Abroad

Many students have successfully combined Study Away at Monterey with a study abroad program, spending one semester in Monterey and one semester abroad. It is important to keep academic calendars and visa requirements in mind. Middlebury students should click here to schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss options. Students from other institutions should speak with their study abroad advisor to determine if they could combine Study Away with studying abroad.

Applying

Begin an application or click here for more information about admissions requirements, application materials, and deadlines.

Get a head start on your master’s degree and a scholarship too!

Head Start

Apply your Study Away at Monterey semester toward a master’s degree in the Environmental Policy and Management Department at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS). Reach out to Ms. Toni Thomas, Associate Dean, about how these courses would apply toward your degree (tmthomas@middlebury.edu).

Scholarships

MIIS guarantees $10,000 scholarships for alumni of any Middlebury degree program and their extended family members. Past participants in nondegree Middlebury programs such as Study Away, Study Abroad and the Language Schools are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.