It is time.

Change is upon us. And you are aware. You can feel the turbulence. The vibrations. Both the aftershocks and the early tremors. And you are a part of it. We cannot continue doing what we did to get here and expect it to take us where we are going. Our cultural, dare I say human, operating system is long overdue for an upgrade. It will take brave humans just like you to help others navigate the future unchartered water.

Program Overview

A Self-Paced Program in Eight Modules

The BAM Institute offers a two-year degree program structured into eight modules, loosely aligning with eight academic quarters. Fellows typically complete the program as part-time students, though the self-paced nature allows for extended durations if needed. Academically, the BAM program is comparable to master’s level learning. The eight modules support a comprehensive and diverse practice of Civic Biodesign.

Components of a Module

Each module comprises:

• One Event

• One Project

• Nine Competencies

These components are pursued simultaneously and organically rather than sequentially. A module is considered complete and transcripted once all three components (event, project, and competencies) are finished.

Size of a Module

To understand the size of a module in terms of credit hours:

• Event: 1 credit hour

• Project: 2 credit hours

• Nine Competencies: 3 credit hours

In total, a typical module is equivalent to 6 credit hours per quarter. However, this is a nominal measure. Some fellows may complete certain projects quickly, while others may take longer. The BAM program is project-based and competency-based, not clock hour-oriented.

Module Content

Modules are dictated chiefly by the Scale of Wellness.

Module - The Size - The Name

Module 1 - 1 Person - The Self

Module 2 - 5 People - The House

Module 3 - 15 People - The Oikos

Module 4 - 35 People - The Street

Module 5 - 150 People - The Community

Module 6 - 500 People - The Neighborhood

Module 7 - 1500 People - The Village

Module 8 - 5000 People - The Township

Each module covers all eight Dimensions of Wellness:

• Intellectual: Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills.

• Physical: Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, sleep, and managing health conditions.

• Environmental: Occupying environments that support well-being.

• Emotional: Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships.

• Social: Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a support system.

• Spiritual: Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life, including morals and ethics.

• Financial: Satisfaction with current and future financial situations.

• Occupational: Achieving harmony in work and leisure consistent with personal values.

The Timing of Module Activity

BAM fellows are “enrolled” in all eight modules simultaneously, allowing them to work on any module at any time. Typically, a fellow completes one module—event, project, and competencies—per quarter. Initially, fellows start with a single module. Over time, they may work on multiple modules concurrently, attaching various competencies to different projects. Despite this, the usual progression is to complete the equivalent of one module per quarter.

How long is the program?

If you did it full time, like traditional full-time graduate work it would take 2 years.

Do I have to move to Sioux Falls?

No, in fact, it may even make the program better for you to be remote. As you will learn, each Fellow’s hometown is one of their campuses. The more hometowns we represent, the larger the opportunities are for everyone?

How much does it cost?

In the future it will most likely cost about $500/mo for 2 years, or about $12,000. For our first cohort the total tuition fee is just $125. This will sponsor one team of kids at next summer’s camp. You’ll be paying it forward to the next generation.

Are there additional fees?

BAM does not plan on directly collecting additional fees. Most definitely you will have projects that require some investment on your part. That’ll be up to you. We have an amazing donor base that will be eager to help out where they can as well.

Can you break down the difference from traditional education even more?

Is this a permaculture institute?

No. There are many fine permaculture institutes and schools around the globe. We are however heavily informed by the simplicity and universal applicability of the permaculture principles as we believe they are one of the best meta frameworks for education to work from currently.

Will I receive college credit?

No. Not yet. And maybe not ever. Hopefully the traditional higher education world will migrate to a more modern measurement of student progress than time passed measured in college credit hours. Until that future world exists we are developing our curriculum to have a direct translation into a traditional 60 credit hour program. We will certify the program until we decide to move forward, if we do, with the Higher Learning Commission.

What will I have a degree in at the end?

Civic Biodesign. A term we coined and a field we (including you) are defining. You would be a Civic Biodesigner.

What if I don’t finish?

That is entirely possible and expected. You will still walk away with a new sense of the world and how it is connected and potentially a huge toolbag of new skills.

Is the coursework offered in multiple languages?

Not yet. If you speak a language other than English fluently maybe you could help us open that opportunity.