Beekeeping Online

UM's Online Beekeeping Certificate program consists of three university-level courses at the apprentice, journeyman and master levels, culminating in a certificate designating the participant as a "Master Beekeeper." The program is endorsed by the Montana State Beekeepers Association, The American Honey Producers Association, and Project Apis m. UM also teaches special topics courses such as Natural Beekeeping, and we are developing a new series of courses on Commercial Beekeeping. Our courses are taught by UM faculty members and owners of Bee Alert Technology, Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk, Scott Debnam & Phillip Welch, widely regarded as one of the nation's premier honey bee research teams.

“While no beekeeping program can guarantee your success with honey bees, our program will give you the strongest possible foundation and therefore the best chance at keeping healthy, prosperous hives.” ~ Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk

Upcoming Courses

Course 

Dates

Registration

Apprentice Level February 20-March 29, 2024 Open
Journeyman Level April 15-June 14, 2024 Open
Master Level June 10-August 9, 2024 TBA 
Natural Beekeeping Future dates to be announced TBA 
Commercial Queen Rearing & Package Production January 8-February 16, 2024 Closed
Commercial Honey Production March 4-April 12, 2024 Open

New in 2024: Commercial Beekeeping Series

For beekeepers to meet commercial-level honey production and crop pollination challenges, the University of Montana is offering a series of courses focused on commercial beekeeping. Whether you aspire to be a manager or employee in commercial beekeeping or level up your own beekeeping business, these courses introduce the necessary knowledge and skills. 

Look for more information soon about these planned Commercial Beekeeping Courses:

  • Queen Rearing and Package Production
  • Commercial Honey Production
  • Commercial Pollination
  • Overwintering and Other Management Topics

Give the Gift of Knowledge

Purchase a gift certificate for a friend or loved one for a beekeeping course!

Call (406) 243-6495 for more information.