A diversity of formats have been used to integrate the 72-hour permaculture design course into university programs with success.There are benefits and drawbacks with each format. For students choosing a program or teachers designing one, it’s important to think about what’s right for your unique context. Learn more
| Type | Benefits | Drawbacks | Examples to check out |
| THE INTENSIVE
Most common way to fit PDC into 1 academic course Span from 12 full days to 7 weeks in academia; 15 days over 2-3 weeks is most common Historically how PDCs usually taught On campus or involves travel/ residential immersion on a farm |
More focused time for sinking into material
Stronger bonding, community participation & group energy Can be closer to natural systems for observation Encourages deeper transformative learning Can see permaculture practiced in different contexts |
Less accessible for parents & full-time workers
Long days difficult to sit through during summer Less time for extra reading & writing Travel-based & residential courses can be financially inaccessible |
Prescott College, Env. Studies
University of Vermont, Env. Studies Indiana University, Collins Living-Learning Centre Maharishi University, Sustainable Living University of British Columbia, Land & Food Systems CU Boulder, Env. Studies Paul Smith’s College, Env. Studies St. Michael’s College, Env. Studies Sterling College, Applied Sciences |
| 1 SEMESTER-BASED COURSE
Full PDC fit into 1 course on campus |
All students can easily finish full PDC
Often the least expensive option for students Fits more easily into student schedules Evening classes more accessible for parents or full-time workers |
Time constraints can necessitate a “no-frills” PDC
Short classes make field trips difficult Field trips outside of class time often needed to hit 72 hours, requiring instructors to volunteer their time & students to juggle their schedules |
Oregon State University, Horticulture
Pacific University, Art & Env. Studies UC Santa Cruz, Kresge College Cornell University, Horticulture Colby-Sawyer College, Env. Studies Greenfield Community College, Science |
| 2-COURSE SERIES
PDC spread over 2 semester-long courses on campus |
Easily hitting 72+ hours & including extra content
More time to digest material & apply to other courses Projects with community partners can be developed Allows study over different seasons |
PDC must be sliced into 2 self-contained units
Some won’t be able to take both courses, losing out on certificate More expensive to take 2 courses Energy constrained by classroom environment |
Naropa University, Env. Studies
Santa Barbara City College, Env. Horticulture North Carolina State University, Horticulture University of Vermont, Env. Studies UMass Amherst, Agriculture |
| HYBRID
Often involves a semester-long course plus a 5-7 day intensive course |
‘Best of both’: accessibility of a semester-based on-campus course combined with group energy of an intensive | Same as 2-course series | University of Victoria, Env. Studies
Plymouth State University, Env. Planning Appalachian State University, Sustainable Development |
| ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE
PDC earned through accumulation of several courses |
Leads to completion of academically-recognized certificate
Best if you’re not looking for a 4-year degree |
May not count toward university degree credit on transcript | Bastyr University, Holistic Landscape Design
Merritt College, Landscape Horticulture UMass Amherst, Agriculture Lorain County Community College, Sustainable Agriculture |
| DISTANCE COURSE
Courses taken at a distance, usually online Often offered via Extension/ Continuing Studies |
More affordable
More accessible for parents and those not living near a school Can choose the school that suits you Can greatly expand enrollment limits |
May not count toward university credit on transcript
Less opportunity for bonding & community |
Goddard College
Oregon State University UMass Amherst Prescott College Cornell University North Carolina State University Gaia University (UK) |
Last updated December 2016
University Permaculture 