McKenna Academy

Not at all. Our courses are designed to welcome learners from every background—whether you’re a curious beginner, a practicing herbalist, or an experienced researcher. A basic familiarity with biology or chemistry can enrich your journey, but it’s not required. Each course clearly notes its ideal audience level, so you’ll always know where to begin. What matters most is your curiosity and willingness to explore the relationships between plants, people, and culture.

Our courses are for anyone drawn to the intersection of plants, people, and culture. University students, researchers, educators, herbalists, cultural preservationists, healthcare professionals, and lifelong learners have all found value here. Whether you want to explore ethnobotany, dive into plant chemistry, or engage with shamanic traditions, you’ll find a welcoming path that meets you where you are—whether for professional enrichment or personal inspiration.

Our courses are taught by world‑renowned experts whose lifework bridges science, spirit, and story. From legendary ethnobotanists like Dennis McKenna, Wade Davis, and Michael Winkelman, to pioneering researchers such as Dr. Michael Balick, Dr. Paul Alan Cox, and Dr. Claudia J. Ford, each instructor brings decades of fieldwork, cultural immersion, and academic rigor.

Unlike standard university courses, our curriculum is modular and emotionally resonant—inviting you into a dialogue with plant wisdom, ancestral traditions, and consciousness studies. You’ll gain insights rarely found in conventional classrooms.

Each individual course is designed to be completed in about an hour, offering concise, focused insights into ethnobotany, plant chemistry, or shamanic traditions. Many learners choose to engage more deeply—revisiting lectures, exploring supplemental resources, and integrating the teachings into their personal or professional practice.

As our curriculum expands through 2026, with additional courses added to each Core Bundle, your journey may unfold over weeks or even months, depending on your pace and level of immersion.

Yes. Our curriculum is organized into three cores—Ethnobotany, Plant Chemistry & Medicine, and Shamanism & Psychedelics. Most learners begin with Ethnobotany for a broad foundation, then follow their curiosity into the other cores. Think of it as a journey: start with the roots, then branch into the areas that most inspire you.

Yes. Enrollment includes one year’s access to the course(s) you purchase, so you can revisit the material whenever you like and learn entirely at your own pace. If you choose the full bundle, you’ll also receive all new courses we release through 2026—making it a growing library you can return to for years. Individual course enrollments include one year’s access to that specific course, but do not include future releases.

Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate issued by the McKenna Academy. This certificate affirms your participation and can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, or personal portfolios. More than a credential, it’s a marker of your commitment to exploring the wisdom traditions and science of plants—guided by one of the world’s leading voices in ethnobotany.

Your enrollment is more than a transaction—it’s an investment in lifelong learning. Each course is created and taught by world‑renowned ethnobotanists and cultural voices, offering insights you won’t find anywhere else. With the bundle, you’ll have access to all current courses and any new releases through 2026, so you can revisit the material throughout that period. That delivers years’ worth of curated expertise for less than the cost of a single university credit. Given the instructors’ experience, the depth of content, and ongoing updates, the bundle offers exceptional value.

Because the McKenna Academy is a nonprofit organization, all course enrollments are final. When you enroll, you receive lifetime access to the course(s) you purchase. If you choose the full bundle, you’ll also receive every new course we release through 2026, creating a growing library you can return to again and again. Individual course enrollments include lifetime access to that specific course, but do not include future releases. We encourage you to review course previews and descriptions carefully before enrolling to ensure the program is right for you.

We understand that committing to a new learning journey can feel like a big step. That’s why we provide course previews and transparent information upfront. Think of this as an invitation to cross a threshold—one that leads into a community of learners exploring the wisdom of plants together. When you’re ready, your path is waiting.

Please contact us for academic, nonprofit, or group licensing options. courses@mckenna.academy