Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Individualized Concentration

In some cases, the defined concentrations may not meet the interests or career aspirations of students in the program. Students may develop and pursue an individualized concentration of study.

Individualized concentrations must deal with some aspect of ecology and environmental sciences as broadly reflected in the degree program. Individualized concentrations may not be developed for areas where degrees are already being offered at the University of Maine. So, for example, while “wildlife” is clearly part of natural ecosystems, this would not be an appropriate organizing concept for an individualized concentration since a degree program in wildlife ecology already exists at the University of Maine. Generally, the course work that makes up an individualized concentration should be largely drawn from courses offered at the University of Maine.

A student wishing to pursue an individualized concentration should do so in conjunction with an advisor who is a faculty member participating in the EES program. The student should prepare a brief proposal for the concentration, including a narrative explaining the organizing concept for the concentration and proposed name. The courses that will be taken to constitute the concentration should also be included. Individualized concentrations must include 21 credit hours of course work, at least 15 of which are at the 300 or 400 course level. An individualized concentration must be approved by the student’s academic advisor, the Undergraduate Coordinator, and the Director.