Master in Medicinal Mushroom Science
An advanced, research-oriented program on the biology, chemistry, analysis, evidence and regulation of medicinal fungi, ending in a capstone project.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Master in Medicinal Mushroom Science
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Master
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Medicinal & Functional Fungi. A Fungaris program of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 10 months (40 weeks) · 432 hours in total · 12 modules of 36 hours · 40 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: February 1, 2027 to November 19, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 25, 2027. Following intake: October 4, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This master is an advanced, research-oriented program covering the science of medicinal fungi in depth. Across twelve modules you will study fungal biology and systematics, history and ethnomycology, biochemistry and secondary metabolism, polysaccharide and glycan science, terpenoids, sterols and small molecules, analytical chemistry, cultivation and fermentation, extraction and processing, research methods and biostatistics, evaluation of preclinical and clinical evidence, and safety, regulation and ethics.
The field needs experts who can bridge laboratory science, production and responsible communication. Graduates and professionals pursuing advanced expertise will develop the ability to design research, evaluate evidence critically and advise organizations on scientifically sound decisions. Teaching is delivered live by a instructor selected for working experience in research or industry. The program culminates in a capstone research project, in which you will define a research question on a medicinal fungus, conduct a systematic review or design and analyze a study, and present your findings in a scientific report defended before the instructor.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in medicinal fungi, useful in areas such as academic and applied research, dietary supplements and ingredients, biotechnology, scientific consultancy.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
An advanced, research-oriented program on the biology, chemistry, analysis, evidence and regulation of medicinal fungi, ending in a capstone project.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Advanced Fungal Biology and Systematics; Medicinal Fungi in History and Ethnomycology; Fungal Biochemistry and Secondary Metabolism; Polysaccharide and Glycan Science.
- Put them into practice: Terpenoids, Sterols and Small Molecules; Analytical Chemistry for Fungal Materials; Cultivation and Fermentation of Medicinal Species; Extraction and Ingredient Processing.
- Apply everything to a real case: Research Methods and Biostatistics; Evaluating Preclinical and Clinical Evidence; Safety, Regulation and Ethics; Capstone Research Project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Integrate biology, chemistry and analytics to characterize medicinal fungi.
- Design and analyze research using appropriate statistical methods.
- Critically evaluate preclinical and clinical evidence.
- Advise on cultivation, extraction and quality of fungal ingredients.
- Apply safety, regulatory and ethical frameworks to research and products.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Graduates and professionals pursuing advanced expertise.
4.2Entry requirements
A prior course or diploma in medicinal mushrooms, a science degree, or equivalent professional experience is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Scientific director at a medicinal mushroom company
- Research scientist in academic or industry laboratories
- Senior technical consultant for ingredient suppliers
- Scientific affairs lead preparing evidence and safety dossiers
- Candidate for doctoral research in mycology
- Educator and trainer in medicinal mycology
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Advanced Fungal Biology and Systematics | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 02 | Medicinal Fungi in History and Ethnomycology | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 03 | Fungal Biochemistry and Secondary Metabolism | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 04 | Polysaccharide and Glycan Science | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 05 | Terpenoids, Sterols and Small Molecules | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 06 | Analytical Chemistry for Fungal Materials | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 07 | Cultivation and Fermentation of Medicinal Species | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 08 | Extraction and Ingredient Processing | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 09 | Research Methods and Biostatistics | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 10 | Evaluating Preclinical and Clinical Evidence | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 11 | Safety, Regulation and Ethics | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 12 | Capstone Research Project | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| Total | 432 |
12 modules × 36 hours = 432 hours: 80 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Fungal cell biology
- Phylogeny and systematics
- Species concepts in medicinal fungi
- Historical sources
- Ethnomycological methods
- Traditional knowledge and ethics
- Primary metabolism
- Secondary metabolite pathways
- Regulation of biosynthesis
- Glucan structures
- Glycoproteins and heteroglycans
- Structural characterization
- Triterpenoid diversity
- Sterols and ergosterol derivatives
- Nucleosides and alkaloids
- Chromatography
- Mass spectrometry and NMR
- Method validation
- Solid-state cultivation
- Submerged fermentation
- Strain improvement
- Extraction technologies
- Purification and standardization
- Ingredient characterization
- Research design
- Biostatistics
- Reproducibility and open science
- Preclinical models
- Human trials and systematic reviews
- Evidence synthesis
- Toxicology and contaminants
- Global regulatory frameworks
- Research and publication ethics
- Defining the research question
- Methodology and data analysis
- Writing and defending the report
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A capstone research project on a medicinal fungus, presented as a scientific report and defended before the instructor.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your instructor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 11 hours a week for 40 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, exercises and assignments in each module, and the capstone research report reviewed and discussed with the instructor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Medicinal Fungi school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Master Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Master Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrollment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
- A short résumé or a description of your experience in the field.
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on February 1, 2027 is open until January 25, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $3,350
- Full payment before the start: $2,680 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($1,340) and 10 monthly installments of $201.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Master in Medicinal Mushroom Science?
A prior course or diploma in medicinal mushrooms, a science degree, or equivalent professional experience is required.
How is Master in Medicinal Mushroom Science taught?
Live online, in 12 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, exercises and assignments in each module, and the capstone research report reviewed and discussed with the instructor.
What is the final project?
A capstone research project on a medicinal fungus, presented as a scientific report and defended before the instructor.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Master Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).