Two-Year Certificate Program in Biomimicry

Program Overview
The Biomimicry Institute in cooperation with the Biomimicry Guild has recognized a growing demand for post-graduate professionals who would like to continue their education in the field of biomimicry. To the best of our knowledge, no formal program in biomimicry exists worldwide. As such, we are proud to offer a Certificate in Biomimicry to address this need. The program is designed to give attendees the skills necessary to become practicing biomimics. The course will be taught by a suite of experts, led by Dr. Dayna Baumeister, co-founder of the Biomimicry Guild, in the fields of biomimicry and sustainability with several guest lectures by prominent, world-renowned visionaries in the fields of sustainability, green business, green chemistry, ecological design, and more.

The course is open to those with an undergraduate/graduate degree and/or significant professional experience in any of the following broadly defined fields: biology, engineering, design, and business. A graduate of the program will have a specialty in his/her particular background, and will have gained additional skills in the other fields listed above, as well as skills in communication, systems thinking, biomimicry methodology, life's principles, and sustainability.

We anticipate that following completion of the program, participants will be able to market and utilize their skills to:

1.       Obtain meaningful employment in the emerging market for "Biologists at the Design Table"; or

2.       Initiate their own consulting practice in the field of biomimicry; or

3.        Engage and lead others within their current company/organization to begin practicing biomimicry; or

4.       Incorporate biomimicry into existing or new education endeavors.

Tentative Program Schedule and Expectations
The Certificate in Biomimicry is designed to be as rigorous as a Master's degree program.  The program will be a combination of independent (distance/home) study, face-to-face intensive learning sessions, and group work via virtual interactions. Over the course of the 2-year program, participants will be expected to attend five one week-long sessions at dates and locations arranged by the Biomimicry Institute. Tentative session sites include Montana, Seattle, Costa Rica, Atlanta, and Vermont. In addition, participants will be expected to take the equivalent of three or four college-level courses in biology, engineering, design, and/or business. Participants will work with the Biomimicry Institute to determine the appropriate number and types of such courses. Students will also be expected to participate in the creation of a new biomimetic product/process/system during the second year. Participant should plan on spending a minimum of 2-3 hours each week for the course in addition to the five on-site sessions.

Program Costs
Tuition for the program is $5,000 USD. Additional fees of $5,000 USD include materials, room, board, and local travel for the 5 required one-week sessions. Fees are payable in 4 installments. Additional costs that will be incurred by participants that are not included in the total of $10,000 include your travel to each week-long session and tuition/fees for college courses. With the support of sponsoring organizations, we plan to offer some merit and need based scholarships.

Application and Selection Procedure
The 2008-2010 Certificate in Biomimicry is now filled. We will be accepting applications for the next certificate offering in 2009.