Biomimicry, MS
Biology, Business, Entrepreneurship, Environmental, Innovation, Nature, Permaculture, Professional Master's, Regenerative, Sustainable Designer, Systems Thinking, design, engineering, leadership, sustainability
Advance your skills by exploring the connection between biology and design, engineering, business and sustainability. By using biomimicry principles, you can implement creative solutions to human problems. Join a network of researchers and practitioners who are transcending traditional academic and institutional boundaries.
The world's only Master of Science program in biomimicry is offered in conjunction with The Biomimicry Center, in cooperation with Biomimicry 3.8, the internationally recognized leader in the field.
Biomimicry, the practice of emulating nature's strategies for human designs, empowers change agents passionate about a world mentored by life's genius to work toward innovative and sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges. It involves exploring the way business is conducted, buildings and products are designed, governments operate, health care is provided, goods are manufactured and how future generations will be educated --- all inspired by nature's time-tested sustainable solutions developed over the last 3.8 billion years.
The program's curriculum focuses on this emerging field, with a sustainability emphasis. Students complete core content and elective courses, and they also gain biomimicry experience in biome-based applications, business case studies and biological strategy research; in addition, each student completes a self-designed biomimicry project in their chosen career field.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
30 credit hours and a portfolio
Required Core (14 credit hours)
BMY 501 Essentials of Biomimicry (1)
BMY 502 Life's Principles (4)
BMY 503 Biology Taught Functionally (4)
BMY 504 Biomimicry Thinking (4)
BMY 505 The Ethos of Biomimicry: A Pathway from Practice to Philosophy (1)
Electives or Research (10 credit hours)
Other Requirements (6 credit hours; choose 3)
BMY 530 Virtual Design Lab Practicum (2)
BMY 580 Topic: BioBrainstorm Practicum (2)
BMY 580 Topic: Biomimicry Case Study Practicum (2)
BMY 580 Topic: Biomimicry Genius of Biome Practicum (2)
Culminating Experience
portfolio
Additional Curriculum Information
For electives or research, students should contact the academic unit for the approved course list.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants must submit the following:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- questionnaire (to be filled out and uploaded)
- curriculum vitae or resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/07 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 06/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/07 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 11/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/07 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 03/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
The biomimicry program offers a distinct global network of participants (approximately 30% are international students). Students have multiple collaboration opportunities across the program with a diverse set of peers, and they can custom design one or more of their practicum courses to include studying abroad.
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
Training in biomimicry offers a toolkit of transferable skills that enhance work in any field, especially STEM, design, business and sustainability. Graduates engage and lead others within their organization or communities by practicing and demonstrating world-class biomimicry. Opportunities include leading research groups focused on biomimicry thinking, developing in-house training and biomimicry tools for companies, becoming a biologist at the design table, directing sustainability efforts, and leading public engagement initiatives for communities seeking sustainable solutions. Graduates are prepared to facilitate the practice of biomimicry across corporate, government, education and nongovernmental organization sectors.
The knowledge and skills gained can also lead to initiating or transforming a consulting practice into the field of biomimicry. Biomimicry helps set professionals apart, brings about positive change and complements any career path.
Biomimicry is a transdisciplinary, transformative field, and the unprecedented challenges the world faces today demand new thinking, perspectives, tools and solutions. Training in biomimicry distinctly positions one for careers and opportunities that don't yet exist but that the world is demanding.
The School of Complex Adaptive Systems' 2022 alumni employment survey indicates that 100% of the biomimicry graduates who responded are employed or pursuing continuing education.
School of Complex Adaptive Systems
|
NVS1 240
BiomimicryGrad@asu.edu
480-727-0478
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
