Online Master of Science in Biomimicry

The online Master of Science in biomimicry degree explores the connection between biological principles and design. Upon graduation, you’ll know how to learn from the evolutionary success of nature and adapt this knowledge to human problems. These skills can be used in a wide variety of positions in business, government and nonprofit organizations.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 17

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5-15

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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What is biomimicry?

Biomimicry is an emerging discipline in which practitioners leverage, or mimic, biological principles to find new and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. This approach is inherently interdisciplinary. By studying biomimicry, you’ll attempt to learn from an evolutionary history that stretches back to the origin of life, some 3.8 billion years ago, and you may uncover new and interesting solutions to some of society's pressing challenges. 

A degree in biomimicry emphasizes that humans could stand to learn from the various adaptations in living species. In this master’s in biomimicry, you’ll do just that and examine how life has survived, evolved and thrived on Earth. You’ll study biology, chemistry, sustainability, the design thinking process and a variety of other concepts related to biomimicry. By earning a degree in biomimicry you’ll seek to learn from nature to solve today’s challenges in how businesses are run, kids are educated, health care is distributed and more.

Who's a good candidate for a master's in biomimicry?

 

While design and biology are central to biomimicry, you can apply biomimicry skills to a wide variety of additional fields. As you work toward your master’s in biomimicry, you’ll be encouraged to think about how to apply your knowledge to relevant fields such as sustainability, engineering and business. Other related fields include transportation, product design, architecture and education.

What is ASU's partnership with Biomimicry 3.8?

 

The Biomimicry Center encompasses the joint partnership of ASU and Biomimicry 3.8, a bio-inspired consultancy. This center facilitates research and biomimicry education, both locally and globally, with a goal to address a variety of sustainability challenges using nature-inspired methodologies.

As a student in the online Master of Science in biomimicry degree, you’ll study the curriculum developed by this partnership and be taught by the world’s top thought leaders in the field of biomimicry.

Will my diploma say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Online biomimicry courses

This master’s in biomimicry was developed in collaboration with Biomimicry 3.8 and includes courses taught by one of the world’s top thought leaders in the field. In this degree, you’ll gain experience in biome-based applications, business case studies, biological strategy research and virtual labs. Throughout the program and in your final practicum course, you can tailor your coursework and projects to your field of interest. This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience applying the principles of biomimicry to your chosen field.


Core

Biology Taught Functionally


Core

Biomimicry Thinking


Core

Essentials of Biomimicry


Core

Life's Principles


Elective

Biomimicry and Business


Elective

Biomimicry and Chemistry


Elective

Biomimicry and Design


Elective

Biomimicry and Engineering


A master’s in biomimicry benefits a variety of jobs

Despite being an emerging discipline, there are already biomimicry-specific jobs across multiple industries in the public and private sectors. A degree in biomimicry can be useful for leveraging new design principles and insights in your current field or for working as a consultant. The degree is particularly beneficial if you have some work experience in a related field such as sustainability, design or engineering. Career options include, but aren’t limited to:

Biomimicry consultant

Educator

In-house designer or scientist

Nonprofit leader

Study with innovative thinkers

The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together numerous leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. These faculty members are uniquely equipped to prepare students to create long-lasting change and develop a thriving future for people and the planet.

Study with innovative thinkers

The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together numerous leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. These faculty members are uniquely equipped to prepare students to create long-lasting change and develop a thriving future for people and the planet.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Science in biomimicry program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.

Application requirements

Additional application information

Creating tomorrow’s solutions, today

The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives are a crucial part of ASU’s commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. ASU has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

#1


“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Tuition calculator

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. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

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. Learn more.

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