Bachelor of Science Degree Program (BSc)

Gaia University bachelor's degrees are suited to young adults who are seeking to transition from the more typical other-directed (teachers, professors, parents) learning approaches found in conventional education to becoming discerning, self-foraging action-oriented learners and unlearners capable of substantial self-direction. This transition to autonomy is highly significant. Many adults in our conventional culture never make this leap as it involves us facing up to the fears and oppressions that prevent us coming into our own power in a culture which prefers us as powerless consumers.

The journey is likely to be bumpy and scary at times (which is why we recommend re-evaluation counseling for its capacity to assist us in noticing and releasing what is getting in the way of our full emancipation) and Gaia University is structured to provide good levels of peer and advising support for the willing adventurer.

Meanwhile, we lay out a clear development pathway, called Integrative Ecosocial Design (IESD), which is intended as a liberating structure. IESD provides a broad professional foundation for your subsequent career and livelihood choices. Within IESD you are expected to learn and practice permaculture design skills sufficient to generate an understanding of ecological systems. This foundation, a practical understanding of ecology developed through hands-on engagement, is a core principle of our approach. It notices that human culture is a wholly owned subsidiary of the planet (to use a corporate metaphor) and not the other way round. It is through the development and inner integration of this sensibility that you will build your capacity to design human systems that are both ecologically and socially regenerative.

An additional advantage of this earth based approach is that you acquire meaningful hard skills in such critical areas as soil building, gardening, food storage and processing, a variety of manual crafts, ready for increased self-reliance and cooperation in the post-petroleum era. Gaining these hard skills goes a long way to resolving the tough issues that many young adults experience and which arise from the current mainstream educational direction, which is that we arrive at young adulthood filled with a lot of education including expectations of professional livings when we have very few skills that have practical value in the world. 

You will also have the opportunity to learn good people skills, project management, documentation and digital skills – all highly desirable and much needed in the world change field (as well as in conventional employment fields). You could imagine yourself becoming a project volunteer who is a desired, delightful team member due to your combination of practical competence; ability to complete jobs you take on; capacity for emotional intelligence; and reflective, purposeful attitude toward learning. Often such volunteers are rapidly invited to become sponsored interns and the transition to paid leadership positions in leading-edge projects with the opportunity to further develop as a designer – perhaps in readiness to create your own projects that will fill in some of the gaps in the global ecosocial worknet.

Accreditation for Prior Learning and Experience

Accreditation of Prior Learning and Experience (APL/E) is the means through which learning acquired by formal means (e.g. college attendance) or informal means (e.g. work experience, specialized trainings) is valued and offset against credit requirements for a Gaia University qualification. Young adults with well developed skills in self-directed learning (home schoolers for example) and/or who have one or two years conventional college experience that includes transition towards autonomy can apply for accelerated bachelor's degrees. At our discretion, and in consultation with you and your references, we may reduce the required years in program with Gaia University. Options include commencing your program in Year 2 or rarely, Year 4. You can indicate your request for acceleration in your application form.

In addition, one of the strong features of the Gaia University/IMC accreditation system is that people with more relevant life experience than an average young adult may not need to start at bachelor's level if they do not already have an undergraduate degree. Gaia University may, after reviewing your application for prior experiential learning, course records and life experience, accept you directly into a master's program. If you strongly feel you qualify for a master's program you are welcome to apply directly for that program with the the intention of discussing it during your applicant interview.

Length of Program: 3 - 4 Years

Our  4-year bachelor's degree program includes an optional 'Career Year'. Depending on your pre-program experience and your in-program performance, we may ask you (or you may choose) to add this third year into your program to create a US-style 4-year bachelor's degree program. Previous relevant experience and good in-program performance may allow you to bypass this year and complete your program in three years. You always have the option to take Year 3 before entering your capstone (final) year.

Program Requirements and Available Services

The table below outlines the services available to bachelor's associates as well as the minimum requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to graduate. It is important to understand is that it is up you, as the associate, to access our available services. The main advisor is your primary and most regular contact point and will assist you in assessing and initiating these services. Not accessing them, however, does not warrant requests for refunds. If you are on our Premium Program you are purchasing a well-thought-out, complete package of services with your Gaia University tuition. It is up to you to maximize your access and utilization.

A standard pattern exists for all programs which you can review on our Program Cycle page. An overview of requirements specific to the bachelor's program follows. You will also receive detailed information regarding all services and requirements during your orientation workshop.

Workshops - Prerequisite, Required and Recommended

• A Permaculture Design Course, Ecovillage Design Course or equivalent design study is a prerequisite to program commencement. This does not need to be a course offered through Gaia University; it may be completed at an organization of your choice. Proof of completion and/or certification will be required.
• Highly Recommended: Re-Evaluation Counseling Fundamentals Course (additional fees apply) 

Advisory & Other Support Services

The following table gives a typical example of the services available to you as an associate, and the minimum services you would need to access in order to graduate. Please note that the numbers may vary according to programs and program years. The figures below refer to our Premium Program.

Annual Output Packet Requirements

• Output Packet 1:
  Year 1 – Life and Career Review PLUS Learning Intentions and Pathway Design
  Year 2 and 4 – Learning Goals and Project Proposals
• Output Packets 2 – 5: Project & Learning Reports
• Output 6: Learning Review

Other Requirements

Computer and internet access at regular intervals.