Oregon State University’s Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) is one of the most comprehensive online programs available. Well-structured and content-rich, it provides a deep dive into permaculture principles and practices while offering a clear path for students to build knowledge step by step. As a faculty member and instructor, I’m proud to be part of the team guiding learners through this intensive and transformative experience.
Students engage with a wide range of materials—including multimedia lessons, readings, and applied design exercises—that balance theory with real-world practice. Along the way, they receive feedback from experienced instructors and connect with a vibrant learning community. By the end of the course, participants not only earn their Permaculture Design Certificate but also leave with a polished site design portfolio that demonstrates their skills.
Highlights of the program include:
Students engage with a wide range of materials—including multimedia lessons, readings, and applied design exercises—that balance theory with real-world practice. Along the way, they receive feedback from experienced instructors and connect with a vibrant learning community. By the end of the course, participants not only earn their Permaculture Design Certificate but also leave with a polished site design portfolio that demonstrates their skills.
Highlights of the program include:
- A structured curriculum that builds confidence and clarity
- Content-rich modules with diverse multimedia resources
- Applied design activities that connect theory to practice
- Personalized feedback from experienced instructors
- A strong, supportive online community of learners
- A professional portfolio and Permaculture Design Certificate upon completion
Be part of the next OSU cohort! Sign up here
Our students' experience
"I loved the course! Monica is wonderful. She has been such an inspiration throughout the course. Understanding, approachable and easy to talk to. She clearly loves what she does and her enthusiasm is contagious. I hope we will stay in touch long after the course is finished."
Harriet
"Monica is lovely and so knowledgeable! The zoom office hours were probably my favorite part of the course, having opportunity to get immediate feedback and answers from both her and the rest of the cohort. She was also very compassionate regarding my constant late submissions, and patient with my panicked over-thinking moments. Her feedback on assignments was always so helpful, and she really helped me reframe my thinking around threats/weaknesses to try and see how they could be adapted into strengths and opportunities. No notes, chef’s kiss!"
Caitlin
"This was one of the more challenging endeavors I have committed myself to in the past number of years, and I could not be happier to have participated in it.
Monica has been a great mentor and teacher all along the way. It is clear when meeting her that she is all about community and connection-both incredibly important in the permaculture sphere. Her encouragement and support are also foundational in the success of this course. I have really enjoyed our office hours online and getting feedback."
Monica has been a great mentor and teacher all along the way. It is clear when meeting her that she is all about community and connection-both incredibly important in the permaculture sphere. Her encouragement and support are also foundational in the success of this course. I have really enjoyed our office hours online and getting feedback."
Arion
"I did enjoy this course a fair amount. I am glad that I got to spend so much hands-on time with my site and was prompted to do a lot of research throughout the process.
Monica is absolutely fantastic! She is quick to respond and her enthusiasm is contagious."
Monica is absolutely fantastic! She is quick to respond and her enthusiasm is contagious."
Nikira
"Overall I really gained a lot from this course and going through the assignments. I really appreciated how the entire course was structured, because it made it easier for me to go through each module and understand the assignments. I think the assignments are the best thing about this entire course.
We love Monica! She was very helpful and always available for questions. I felt very supported by her."
We love Monica! She was very helpful and always available for questions. I felt very supported by her."
Lauren
Now it's your turn! Start your permaculture career with OSU:
PDC:
PDC PRO:
Sign up here!
- 10 weeks
- September 29 - December 7, 2025
PDC PRO:
- 20 weeks
- September 29, 2025 - March 15, 2026
Sign up here!
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