Degrees and Concentrations
All Gaia Northeast associates enroll in a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree pathway in Integrative Eco-Social Design. Gaia Northeast currently offers three concentrations at both B.Sc. and M.Sc. level: Eco-Social Design, Regenerative Agriculture, and Eco-Social Entrepreneurship.
Eco-Social Design
The Eco-Social Design (ESD) concentration is intended for any associates engaged in ecological or social regeneration and positive world-change. As an "open topic" degree pathway, ESD supports associates to develop cutting-edge skills appropriate to their areas of focus, and to develop to their full potential as empowered world changers. The residential workshop portion of the degree provides training in collaboration, integrative design process, group facilitation, project design and management, and more.
Possible project areas:
- Permaculture design and implementation
- Nature-based education & mentoring
- Climate change activism
- Building local community resilience
- Art/music/dance in an eco-social context
Regenerative Agriculture
The Regenerative Agriculture concentration empowers the next generation of farmers, gardeners and food actionists. Associates learn to integrate ecological and social landscapes, bringing together nature, culture, and economy to create
resilient and regenerative local food systems.
Associates work closely with Gaia Northeast Advisors to co-design their learning pathway. To earn credits towards a degree, associates engage with on-the-ground farm and food projects:
- Manage or apprentice on organic, biodynamic, or permaculture farms
- Design and co-create community gardens in your community
- Practice holistic grazing & pasture management
- Explore keyline water planning, tree crops, and agroforestry
- Start a local farm-to-table organization or restaurant
- Plan and launch your own farm enterprise
Our specialist advisory board provides access to incredible farmers and growers on the East Coast -- Sandor Katz, Joel Salatin, Dina Falconi and more are available for one-on-one mentoring to support your learning pathway. Specialized advising in agricultural business planning, personal health and wellness, and effective communication supports associates to create economically profitable and eco-socially sustainable livelihoods.
Regardless of their specific project, empowered associates deepen their ability to regenerate the earth and nourish their communities while receiving a degree.
Eco-Social Entrepreneurship
Eco-social entrepreneurs operate at the leading edge of new paradigms for world change, in which all organizations are mission-driven and create multiple economic, social, and ecological yields. The Eco-Social Entrepreneurship (ESE) concentration trains associates in creatively designing, launching, and developing profitable enterprises that increase ecological and social health.
To learn more: