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Biomimicry, MS

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 utilizing 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.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Biomimicry

The world's only MS 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, 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. It is designed to prepare students to facilitate the practice of biomimicry across corporate, government, education and nongovernment organization sectors. In addition to core content and electives, students gain biomimicry experience in biome-based applications, business case studies, biological strategy research and in each participant's self-designed biomimicry project in the student's chosen career field.

At a glance

Degree requirements

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 Place Practicum (2)

Culminating Experience
portfolio

Additional Curriculum Information
For electives or research, students should contact the academic unit for the approved course list.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. questionnaire (to be filled out and uploaded)
  4. curriculum vitae or resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

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.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 07/07Final
Session A/COnline 06/01Priority
Session A/COnline Rolling
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 12/07Final
Session A/COnline 11/01Priority
Session A/COnline Rolling
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 04/07Final
Session A/COnline 03/01Priority
Session A/COnline Rolling
Global opportunities
Global experience

The biomimicry program offers a distinct global network of participants (approximately 30% are international students). In addition to multiple collaboration opportunities across the program with a diverse set of peers, one has the ability to 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.

Career opportunities

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.

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.

As a transdisciplinary, transformative field, 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 which the world is demanding.

From the School of Complex Adaptive System's 2022alumni employment survey, 100% of the biomimicry graduates that responded are employed or pursuing continuing education.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

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.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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