Beekeeping in Northern Climates Online

Course Description

Interested in becoming a beekeeper? The University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Bee Squad will help you get started.

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. You will learn 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.

Is this course right for you?

Are you interested in learning about beekeeping? This course is ideal for brand-new beekeepers or those looking to sharpen their skills for northern climates.
Do you like the flexibility of online learning? This online course fits any schedule with self-paced modules and instructor interaction. If you prefer in-person instruction, we offer a comparable in-person Beekeeping in Northern Climates course each winter/early spring.
Are you looking to build the skill of beekeeping or are you mostly interested in supporting pollinators? If your primary goal is to support local pollinators, the most impactful action you can take is planting a diversity of native flowers to provide food and nesting sites. Unsure? Explore our guide on getting started in beekeeping to make an informed decision.

The course includes:

14+ hours of video: Access pre-recorded content at your own pace. You can revisit any section as needed, even after completing the course.
Comprehensive course resources: Detailed written and visual materials are provided to reinforce your learning.
Two ways to ask questions:
- Join monthly Q&A Zoom sessions on the first Tuesday of each month (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST). All Q&A sessions are recorded and archived for later viewing.
- Post questions anytime on the online discussion forums; instructors respond every Monday.
Printed manual: A copy of the Beekeeping in Northern Climates, Third Edition manual will be mailed to you within three weeks of registration. (A free PDF preview is available on our manual page).

For additional information, see the syllabus.

Registration

All students will have access to the course until December 31, 2027.
Register for the course is open between November 24, 2025 and December 31, 2026.
Instructions to access the class will be emailed to you when you complete registration.

Registration begins in winter. Registering early in January provides nearly two years of access, while registering late in the year provides approximately one year. If a full two years of access is important to you and it is in summer or fall, we recommend waiting to register until the next course.

Cost: $175.00 per person payable with a credit card.

Refund Policy: Full refunds are available for students who do not begin the class. No refunds are issued once the student begins the class. (Note: If you cancel before starting but have already received the manual, a refund less $30 will be issued).

Instructors

Dr. Marla Spivak, Emeritus 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
Jenny Warner, Bee Squad Team Leader, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
Brooke Nikkila, Bee Squad Program Manager, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
Nelson Williams, Bee Lab Apiary Manager, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota