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Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

A non-profit university with on-campus and online degree programs

Home of Consciousness-Based Education®

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

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Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

A non-profit university with on-campus and online degree programs

Home of Consciousness-Based Education®

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Request Info > Apply > Visit Us >
Request Info > Apply > Visit Us >

Regenerative Organic Agriculture
BA or Bachelor’s Specializationonline or on-campus

Think global, act local

Watch the video about a community of like-minded individuals, 39 seconds longModern industrial agriculture is a major driver of climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. In contrast, regenerative agriculture offers a hopeful, science-backed alternative – restoring soil health, capturing carbon, supporting pollinators, and revitalizing local food systems.

MIU’s Regenerative Organic Agriculture program prepares students to become changemakers in this global transition. You’ll gain practical farming skills, ecological knowledge, and leadership tools to launch a career rooted in regeneration.

Regenerative Organic Agriculture can be studied at MIU as a BA program (48 credits) or a Bachelor’s Specialization (32 credits). Learn more >

Learn by doing

Our regenerative agriculture curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on farm experience. Your studies will cover:

Watch the video about what regenerative agriculture is, 32 seconds long

  • Soil regeneration and composting
  • Organic crop and livestock management
  • Water-efficient irrigation and land stewardship
  • Permaculture and agroforestry design
  • Community food systems and food justice
  • Principles of biodynamic farming practices
  • Climate-resilient, place-based practices and principles
  • Farm planning

You will also gain real-world work experience while earning credit for internships with agricultural and environmental organizations.

Watch the video about regenerative organic agriculture students finding jobs, 1 minute long

Join a community of changemakers

Around the world, regenerative farming is gaining momentum – for environmental, ecological, and economic reasons. As global attention turns toward rebuilding healthy soils and reducing reliance on costly inputs, it’s clear that the extractive farming practices of the past century are not sustainable. With topsoil erosion and ecosystem decline now widely recognized, there’s a growing need for skilled professionals to lead the shift from extractive to regenerative agriculture.

This program prepares you to:

  • Manage or launch a regenerative organic farm
  • Become a consultant or educator in sustainable agriculture
  • Work in food policy, nonprofit advocacy, or international development
  • Support climate solutions through ecological land restoration
  • Pursue graduate studies in agroecology, soil science, or environmental policy

Get started by contacting Sunita

Sunita Martin, admissions counselorSunita Martin is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Sunita will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program director or faculty.

Contact Sunita >

International applicants may connect with us through our international inquiry form.

Next entry: Aug 2025Apply to MIU >Next entry: Aug 2025Apply to MIU >

Two paths to mastery: BA or Bachelor’s Specialization

  • The Bachelor’s Specialization includes eight core courses (32 credits) focused exclusively on this field. Students can take a Specialization as part of a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences degree, or any other degree program, to broaden their expertise with a greater range of courses.
  • The BA program includes 20 credits of required core courses, 14 credits from electives within the major, 8 internship credits, and 6-credits from the final capstone courses, totaling a minimum of 48 credits. This option provides greater depth and scope within the field of Regenerative Organic Agriculture.

Student testimonials

safari

Safari C.

safari

Field consultant
Les Griffes in Languedoc-Rousillan, France

”Being a ROA student means you’ll be tested both mentally and physically, and the reward is an experience matchless to any other”

emily shephard

Emily M.

emily shephard

Organic Shepherd
Eugene, Oregon

“The ROA program helped me discover my passion for agriculture and turn it into a career. I loved how hands on it was with a focus on real life skills.”

ruey

Ruey M.

ruey

Founder of the International Ancestral Medicine Institute
Honoria, Peru

“I learned the only way to grow nutrient-dense food is to be patient, attentive, and disciplined, the same skills it takes to build anything from the ground up.”

Study online or on-campus

Choose to study fully on-campus, fully online, or online with a low-residency option.

Studying on-campus offers students a balance between classroom theory and hands-on skill-building at the MIU farm.

Online students must complete at least 2 months of on-farm internship experience and can choose to gain additional hands-on experience with a low-residency option that includes joining the on-campus students for a 9-month module or a shorter summer farm practicum.

The MIU campus in Fairfield, Iowa, is home to an abundance of sustainable development initiatives. Some examples include:

  • A 1.1-million-watt state-of-the-art solar power plant designed to provide one-third of the university’s electric power.
  • MIU’s net-zero, LEED-certified Sustainable Living Center which produces more energy than it uses. With solar, geothermal, rain catchment, and rammed earth block construction from local clays, the building is an example of natural building techniques blended with modern energy systems. It is the educational home of the College of Sustainability, which encompasses the Sustainable and Regenerative Living Department and the Regenerative Organic Agriculture Department.
  • The MIU Farm is a teaching farm that demonstrates regenerative farming practices, grows organic and biodynamically certified crops, houses the PhD research plots, and promotes and supports the implementation of regenerative farming practices in the local community.
  • The MIU campus is a pesticide-free campus with multiple native prairie plantings and old Iowa Prairie remnants that contain local flora. In its commitment to ecological health and sustainability, the university does not spray its grounds with pesticides.

Transcendental Meditation & Consciousness-Based Education

Meditating in classAt MIU, self-knowledge is central to learning. Through the regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, students experience deeper clarity, reduced stress, improved health, and increased happiness – benefits supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies. This inner development is the foundation of MIU’s Consciousness-Based Education system.

Sustainability – both personal and planetary – is also a core value. We prioritize student wellness and growth alongside academic achievement, and are committed to maintaining a clean, green campus that reflects our holistic approach to education.

Featured faculty

steve mclaskey

Steve McLaskey

steve mclaskey

Steve received his PhD in horticulture from Cornell University in 1997 and has spent over 25 years farming vegetables in the Midwest. Steve brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the ROA team with his extensive knowledge in plant physiology, pest, and disease identification, biodynamic applications, and organic certification. He is also one of the lead organizers for the farm’s operational management and cropping strategy.

Cost & Aid for bachelor’s degree, 2025-26

  • US On-Campus Students

    • US On-Campus Undergraduate

    This estimate is based on one year for a typical on-campus Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 75% of our onsite undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using our FAFSA code 011113, and then contact our financial aid office for questions on other variables.

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,530
    Housing (single room) and meals$7,400
    Grants and Scholarship (typical)-$16,600
    Net cost per year$9,330
    Federal student loans-$9,330
    Your payment$0

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    • Personal Expenses and Books
      • $2,400 Federal Work Study is available toward your estimated $4,800 out of pocket costs.
    • Scholarships and Grants
      • Scholarship from MIU described above consists of the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Grant and is based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need based on expected FAFSA outcome.
    • Federal Student Loans
      • Repayment begins after your enrollment ends. Unique repayment plans are available such as income-based, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and deferments based on low income or unemployment.

    • Education Tax Incentives
      • There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.
    • Veterans
      • For questions regarding Veterans Benefits, please contact Tal Ron, our Veterans Certifying Official and Director of Financial Aid, at tron@miu.edu or 641-472-1156.

    Loan Repayment Options

    • Standard
      • Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    • Extended
      • Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.
    • Graduated
      • Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    • Income-Based
      • Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.
    • Income Contingent
      • Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.
    • Income Sensitive
      • Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.
    Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at awardofficer@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

  • US Online Students

    • US Online Undergraduate

    This estimate is based on one year for a typical online Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 90% of our online undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using our FAFSA code 011113, and then contact our financial aid office for questions on other variables.

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,190
    Grants and scholarship (typical)-$11,700
    Net cost per year$6,490
    Federal student loan-$6,490
    Your payment$0

    Part time online enrollment is available. Tuition is $600 per credit with normal load of 9-11 credits. Federal student loans are available and the federal Pell Grant is proportional to the credit load.

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    • Scholarships and Grants
      • The grants and scholarship described above consist of the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Grant, and institutional scholarship based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Employer Waiver Program
      • Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If you’re currently employed, we encourage you to check on this. If they offer assistance, please contact MIU’s Financial Aid office.
    • Federal Student Loans
      • Federal Student Loans have limits based on lifetime usage, annual limits, and limited to the educational costs for each semester. Here are the annual maximum limits:

      • $5,500 per year for first-year dependent
      • $6,500 per year for second-year dependent
      • $7,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year dependent
      • $9,500 per year for first-year independent
      • $10,500 per year for second-year independent
      • $12,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year independent
    • Federal Student Loan Repayment
      • Federal Student Loan Repayment is postponed as long as you are enrolled at least half-time each semester. If your enrollment drops below half-time, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. There are also postponements for low income and unemployment, as well as repayment based on income and Public Service Forgiveness.

    • Education Tax Incentives
      • There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.
    • Veterans
      • For questions regarding Veterans Benefits, please contact Tal Ron, our Veterans Certifying Official and Director of Financial Aid, at tron@miu.edu or 641-472-1156.

    Loan Repayment Options

    • Standard
      • Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    • Extended
      • Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.
    • Graduated
      • Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    • Income-Based
      • Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.
    • Income Contingent
      • Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.
    • Income Sensitive
      • Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.
    Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at awardofficer@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

  • International On-Campus Students

    • International On-Campus Undergraduate

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,530
    Housing (single room) and meals$7,400
    Health insurance (estimate)$2,004
    Personal expenses, books, unexpected needs (estimate)$3,500
    Cost Per Year$31,434

    Full-time students may apply for up to $6,000 scholarship based on qualifying level of documented family income. Our undergraduate scholarship application form will be available upon application to the university.

    Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

  • International Online Students

    • International Online Undergraduate

    Typically, online enrollment is two courses at a time (17 credits) or one course at a time (9-11 credits), per semester (two semesters per year).

    Tuition and Fees per Semester
    Full-time (12 or more credits)$9,095
    Fewer than 12 credits$600 per credit

    Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

Entrance requirements for bachelor’s degree

In general, we require bachelor’s applicants to have received a 2.5 GPA or above from their most recent institution attended. Applicants below a 2.5 may still be considered depending on additional qualifications.

Additional requirements

English language verification

International applicants must submit official English proficiency test scores within the past 2 years of at least 100 on Duolingo, 6.0 on IELTS Academic, 80 on TOEFL iBT, or 51 on PTE.

Before your first class

All MIU students practice the Transcendental Meditation® technique. If you have not learned it yet:

  • Once accepted as a US student, the cost of TM instruction is covered through a grant offered by MIU
  • Students are required to learn the TM technique within the first 6 weeks after enrollment.
  • Contact your admissions counselor for details
  • Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org

Deep conversations with leaders regenerating the world

In these twice-monthly conversations, we speak with some of the leading figures in creating a healthy, safe, thriving, and socially just world. We learn about their work, and we ask them: What needs to change, at the deepest level, to bring about the transformations we need?

Speakers have included:

  • Dr. Rattan Lal — the first researcher to demonstrate that regenerative agriculture can address the climate crisis and other major global challenges; winner of the 2020 World Food Prize Watch ➡︎
  • Temple Grandin — world-renowned expert in animal welfare and autism. Watch ➡︎
  • Dr. Tim LaSalle — past CEO of the Rodale Institute and a global champion of regenerative agriculture. Watch ➡︎
  • Alex Pryor — co-founded Guayaki Sustainable Rainforest Products in 1996, a major beverage company based on yerba mate tea that is devoted to regenerative agriculture. Watch ➡︎

FAQ

  • What is regenerative organic agriculture?
    • Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming and land management that focuses on restoring and enhancing the health of soil, ecosystems, and communities. Unlike conventional agricultural practices that often prioritize short-term yields at the expense of long-term soil health and environmental stability, regenerative agriculture seeks to actively improve the land over time, creating more resilient farms and a healthier planet.
  • How is regenerative agriculture different from organic agriculture?

    • While organic agriculture sets clear restrictions on what a farmer cannot do – add synthetic pesticides or herbicides, use GMO crops, etc. – it doesn’t require practices that actively care for the soil and ecologies of farm spaces. While organic takes a stance against harmful practices, regenerative agriculture works to make sure soils are not only safe from harmful practices that kill the microbiota, but that practices are in place to support and grow the health of the land.

    This is why the MIU farm is both organically certified, and biodynamically certified through Demeter – the most regeneratively-oriented of all certifications – and organically certified.

  • If I enroll online, how many hours per week should I expect to spend on this program?
    • You should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for a 4-credit eight-week course. If you are taking 2 courses during an eight-week period, you should plan to spend 24-28 hours per week reading, creating assignments and discussion forum posts, and studying course materials. The time it takes to complete an online course successfully depends on your willingness to stick to a regular schedule and learn to study effectively, more than on any other factor.
  • What is the difference between a major and a specialization?
    • An undergraduate major is a primary field of study during your undergraduate years. This major defines the actual degree and specifies core courses, electives, and the foundational knowledge that you will acquire. An academic specialization is a more concentrated area of courses (32 additional credits) which you can choose in addition to your major field, which may be in the same disciplinary area or something different.
  • What careers can studying regenerative organic agriculture lead to?
    • Graduates are prepared for careers in organic and regenerative farming, nonprofit food and agriculture advocacy, climate and sustainability consulting, land stewardship, supply chain management, and agricultural education. Some go on to start their own farms or pursue graduate study.
  • How is MIU’s approach to agriculture different from other universities?
    • MIU’s program blends regenerative land management with Consciousness-Based Education, emphasizing ecological intelligence, ethical leadership, and inner development. It’s one of the few programs in the U.S. fully dedicated to regenerative organic methods.

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