Interested in becoming a beekeeper? The University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Bee Squad will help you get started in beekeeping. If you have no prior experience keeping bees in our cold climate, Beekeeping in Northern Climates will teach you the foundations you need to know for success.
In this course, you’ll learn the essential skills for successful beekeeping, including honey bee biology, colony management, wintering bees, colony handling tips, and common diseases and pests. If your goal is to keep your bees healthy and thriving year after year, this course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
What the Course Includes:
- 14+ hours of pre-recorded video content: Work through the material at your own pace.
- Detailed written and image-based resources to reinforce learning.
- Two ways to get instructor support: Join live monthly Q&A sessions via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month (6-7 PM CST) or post questions in the online discussion forum, where an instructor will respond every Monday.
- Special live welcome event: On January 14, 2025, from 6-7 PM CST, join us for a live online welcome via Zoom. Recording available afterward for those unable to attend or register after the date.
- For additional information, see the syllabus.
Course Timing & Registration:
- Registration is open until December 31, 2025.
- Course access begins on January 1, 2025 and lasts until December 31, 2026. This extended timeframe allows you to work through the content at your own pace and revisit any sections as needed, even after completing the course. Access does not change based on registration date. Registering early provides nearly two years of access, while those who register later will have closer to one year of access. If a full two years of access is important to you, consider waiting to register until the next course cycle opens.
- A printed copy of the "Beekeeping in Northern Climates, Third Edition" manual will be mailed to you within three weeks of registration.
This course is designed to fit into your schedule, with flexible, self-paced learning and plenty of opportunities for instructor interaction. Whether you're brand new to beekeeping or looking to sharpen your skills for northern climates, this course offers the support and expertise you need for long-term success.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to learn the skills of keeping honey bees. If your primary goal is to support all pollinators, we encourage planting a diverse array of flowers to provide food and nesting sites.
Instructors
- Dr. Marla Spivak, Professor, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
- Gary Reuter, Scientist, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
- Dr. Katie Lee, Apiculture Extension Educator, University of Minnesota
- Jessica Helgen, Bee Squad Program Director, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
- Brooke Nikkila, Bee Squad Program Manager, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
- Jenny Warner, Bee Squad Team Leader, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
- Nelson Williams, Bee Lab Apiary Manager, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
Registration
Registration closes December 31, 2025. All students will have access to the course until December 31, 2026.
The cost is $175.00 per person payable with a credit card.
Note: If you prefer in-person instruction, we also offer a Beekeeping in Northern Climates course each winter.
Class Details
Class Details: Registration cost is $175.00 per person payable with a credit card. Instructions to access the class will be emailed to you when you complete registration.
Refund Policy: No cancellation refunds after the student begins the class. Full refund for students that do not begin the class. Refund less than $30 for students that do not begin the course, but had the manual shipped to them by the time of cancellation.
Contact: For questions about the course, email Katie Lee at [email protected]