Biomimicry, MS
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.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
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 is educated --- all inspired by nature's time-tested sustainable solutions developed over the last 3.8 billion years.
Through the program's curriculum, you focus on this emerging field, with a sustainability emphasis. You complete core content and elective courses, and you also gain biomimicry experience in biome-based applications, business case studies and biological strategy research; in addition, you complete a self-designed biomimicry project in your chosen career field.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a portfolio
Required Core (14 credit hours) Electives or Research (10 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours; choose 3) Culminating Experience Additional Curriculum Information
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)
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)
portfolio
For electives or research, students should contact the academic unit for the approved course list.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton 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: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| 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* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
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 Rob Walton 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 Rob Walton 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.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer 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. 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.
Students can explore alumni employment data for career insights on theRob Walton College of Global Futures employment data page.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Complex Adaptive Systems
|
NVS1 240
BiomimicryGrad@asu.edu
480-727-0478
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.
