11 Best Free and Paid Online Beekeeping Courses in 2024

If you are interested in keeping bees and producing honey, an online beekeeping course can be a great way to get started. These courses are available at your convenience and typically cover all the basics of beekeeping. 

With a good online beekeeping course, you’ll have the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Why online beekeeping courses?

How we learn has changed significantly since the advent of the digital age, and beekeeping courses have also been affected. 

Aspiring beekeepers now have the option of immersing themselves in the world of bees from the comfort of their own homes, thanks to the increasing popularity of online platforms. 

But what distinguishes online courses from traditional classroom environments?

Flexibility and convenience

One of the primary reasons many opt for online beekeeping courses is the unparalleled flexibility they offer. 

Unlike scheduled classes, online courses allow you to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a morning person who loves to study with the first light or a night owl who finds peace in the quiet of the night, online courses cater to your personal routine. 

Related: Beekeeping for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get You Started

This flexibility especially benefits those juggling work, family, and other commitments. No need to commute or adjust your schedule; you only need a stable internet connection and a passion for bees.

Range of options: from beginners to advanced

The range of options for online beekeeping courses is almost endless. Whether you’re just starting out and need a beginner’s guide or you’re an experienced beekeeper looking to hone advanced skills, there’s a course tailored for you. 

Plus, most of these classes offer interactive modules, videos, and forums, improving the learning experience and ensuring that you’re not just reading but actively engaging with the content.

Related: Introduction to Beekeeping: A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Honeybees

Here’s a comparison between some of the most popular online beekeeping courses:

And now, let’s review each one.

Beekeeping Made Simple ($50/hour)

Course overview

Beekeeping Made Simple is an excellent online beekeeping course. There’s a lot to learn here. From tailored classes for beginners to tips and step-by-step guides for those who want to start beekeeping in their own backyard. 

Related: Beginner Beekeeping Supplies: What You Need to Start Your Beekeeping Journey

It’s not just about the theoretical aspects; the course delves deep into the practical side of things, which, from my experience, is where the real learning happens.

Course content

Some of the highlighted lessons include:

• Introduction to Beekeeping: Understanding bees and determining if beekeeping is the right hobby for you.
• Beekeeping for Beginners: A comprehensive guide that covers everything one needs to know to become a successful beekeeper and ensure the health of their bees.
• Hive Inspection: A crucial section that teaches learners how to identify the queen, eggs, larvae, and pupae, which is essential for practical beekeeping.

Apart from the structured lessons, the additional resources caught my eye. 

There’s a wealth of knowledge to tap into, whether it’s understanding how to split a beehive or mastering the art of honey harvesting using the Crush & Strain Method.

Complete Beekeeping Short Course by University of Arkansas (FREE)

Course overview 

The Complete Beekeeping Short Course offered by the University of Arkansas is a comprehensive online series designed for those considering the art of beekeeping. 

This course is especially beneficial for those who are unsure about making a commitment to beekeeping and are looking for a foundational understanding. The best part? The entire course is available online and is free of charge.

From my experience, starting with a solid foundation is crucial in beekeeping. This course provides just that, breaking down the essentials into digestible units. 

It covers everything from understanding the components of a modern bee hive to the basics of honey production and harvesting.

Instructors 

The course is presented by Dr. Jon Zawislak, an Assistant Professor of Apiculture & Urban Entomology. Dr. Zawislak is not only an entomologist but also an EAS-certified Master Beekeeper. 

Having someone with such credentials guide you through the course can be invaluable. 

Course content 

The Complete Beekeeping Short Course is structured to gradually build your knowledge. It starts with introducing viewers to the structure and function of each component of a modern bee hive. 

You’ll learn about the essential tools, equipment, and proper protective clothing as you progress.

The course also teaches honey bee biology and behaviors, seasonal colony management tasks, laws and regulations, and honey production basics. 

Related: 11 Amazing Tips for How to Chose the Best Place to Put a Beehive

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, the course offers printable handouts summarizing the slideshow content, aiding in note-taking and revision.

The Bee Short Course for Community Scientists by The Ohio State University (FREE)

Course overview 

The Ohio State University offers The Bee Short Course for Community Scientists, a comprehensive program aimed at building the skills of community scientists interested in wild bee conservation. 

This free online beekeeping course stands out for its emphasis on community involvement and its focus on wild bee conservation, a topic close to my heart.

Having been in the beekeeping world for over 15 years, I’ve seen the importance of understanding and conserving wild bee populations. 

This online beekeeping course offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, so that all participants will be well-equipped to contribute to wild bee conservation efforts.

Instructors 

The course boasts a lineup of renowned instructors, including Jamie Strange, Randy Mitchell, Olivia Carril, Heather Holm, Sam Droege, Mary Gardiner, and Matthew Shepherd. 

Course content 

The Bee Short Course for Community Scientists covers various topics, from the basics of wild bee conservation to more advanced concepts. 

Given the course’s focus on community science, it also offers resources and recordings for participants to refer to, ensuring they have all the tools they need to become effective community scientists.

Introduction to Natural Beekeeping by Learning with Experts ($65)

Course overview 

The Introduction to Natural Beekeeping course, hosted on Learning with Experts, offers a refreshing perspective- the more natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping. 

Philip Chandler, the author of ‘The Barefoot Beekeeper,’ introduces learners to natural beekeeping, emphasizing a sustainable and organic approach. 

The course uniquely focuses on keeping bees for their intrinsic value and not just for their products. This resonates with me deeply, as beekeeping is more than just honey extraction; it’s about understanding and nurturing these fascinating creatures.

Instructors 

Philip Chandler stands out as the primary instructor for this course. His reputation as ‘The Barefoot Beekeeper’ precedes him, and his approach to beekeeping is both revolutionary and grounded in respect for bees. 

With credentials like Advanced Certification by the National Diploma of Beekeeping Board, learners are in capable hands. 

His journey from campaigning against GM crops to adopting and promoting natural beekeeping methods is truly inspiring.

Course content 

This online beekeeping course course is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical techniques. Key topics covered include:

• The nature of honeybees and their life cycle.
• The symbiotic relationship between bees and flowering plants.
• Introduction to top bar hives and their advantages.
• Establishing and nurturing a healthy bee colony.

The course offers four on-demand video lessons, downloadable lesson notes, practical beekeeping projects, and an interactive online classroom for those who want to engage in discussions, share ideas, and learn collaboratively.

Gardening for Wildlife by Learning with Experts ($65 – $170)

Course overview 

The Gardening for Wildlife course, offered in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), is a comprehensive guide to creating a garden that serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. 

I’ve always emphasized the importance of gardens that cater to the needs of bees, birds, and other wildlife. This course goes beyond just beekeeping and delves into the broader spectrum of wildlife-friendly gardening.

Andy McIndoe, a Chelsea Flower Show Gold record holder, will guide you through designing and maintaining a garden that attracts a diverse range of wildlife. 

Gardening for Wildlife promises to teach participants how to strike a balance between a beautiful garden and one that is a haven for birds, bees, insects, butterflies, and small animals.

Instructors 

Andy McIndoe stands at the forefront of this course. With a record-breaking 70 consecutive Golds at The Chelsea Flower Show for Hilliers, his expertise in horticulture is unparalleled. 

Course content 

This online beekeeping course is structured into four main lessons:

1. Introduction to the Wildlife Friendly Garden: This lesson emphasizes the importance of pollinators and discusses the balance between making your garden a food source versus a habitat for wildlife.
2. Trees and Shrubs to Attract Wildlife: Here, learners will discover the various trees and shrubs that can be incorporated into their gardens to attract and nurture wildlife.
3. Nectar, Pollen, and Seeds to Attract Birds, Bees, Insects & Pollinators: This lesson focuses on perennials, annuals, and flower bulbs that ensure a continuous supply of nectar throughout the year.
4. Garden Habitats: This lesson delves into creating habitats like ponds, insect houses, and nesting boxes, and discusses the benefits of each.

The course promises lifetime access to video lessons, downloadable notes, and an interactive online classroom setup.

Beekeeping Certificate Program by University of Montana ($275 – $495)

Course overview 

The University of Montana offers an extensive Beekeeping Certificate Program encompassing three university-level courses (plus a bonus one), each designed to elevate participants’ skills from apprentice to master beekeeper. 

This program is not just about the basics; it’s a comprehensive journey that culminates in a certificate designating the participant as a “Master Beekeeper.”

Instructors 

The courses are taught by a stellar team comprising UM faculty members and owners of Bee Alert Technology. Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk, Scott Debnam, and Phillip Welch are widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier honey bee research teams.

Course content 

The Beekeeping Certificate Program is structured into four main levels:

1. Apprentice Level: This foundational course covers the basics for those new to beekeeping.
2. Journeyman Level: Building on the apprentice course, this level delves deeper into beekeeping practices and challenges.
3. Master Level: As the name suggests, this course is for those aiming to achieve mastery in beekeeping, covering advanced topics and techniques.
4. Natural (Bonus beekeeping course): This course teaches a simple, bee-centric method of beekeeping, rather than focusing on honey production.

In addition to these, the University of Montana is introducing a Commercial Beekeeping Series in 2024, focusing on commercial-level honey production and crop pollination challenges. Topics include Queen Rearing, Package Production, Commercial Honey Production, Commercial Pollination, and Overwintering.

Beekeeping 101 by Penn State Extension ($159)

Course overview 

The Beekeeping 101 course offered by Penn State Extension is an online program designed to introduce beginners to the science and practice of beekeeping. 

Again, I can’t stress enough the importance of a solid foundation; this course promises just that. It covers many topics, from bee biology and behavior to hive management, equipment, bee products, and more.

Instructors 

The course is led by Tom Butzler, an Extension Educator with expertise in vegetable and small fruit production, beekeeping, and the green industry. 

Course content 

Beekeeping 101 is a self-paced course that offers a mix of live videos, readings with images, and interactive questions. Some of the key areas covered include:

• The science of honeybees
• Best practices of experienced beekeepers
• Bee biology and behavior
• Using typical beekeeping clothing and equipment
• Managing a hive throughout the year
• Identifying and treating common bee pests and diseases
• Understanding various bee products
• The role of bees in pollination

Upon successfully completing the course, participants will earn a certificate of completion.

Beginning in Beekeeping: Start Your Very First Beehive! on Udemy

Course overview

Beginning in Beekeeping: Start Your Very First Beehive! is a comprehensive Udemy course tailored for individuals eager to dive into beekeeping. 

It’s one of the most comprehensive online beekeeping courses available, comprising theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations.

From understanding bee biology to setting up a hive, managing bees, and even harvesting and packaging honey, this course provides a holistic beekeeping experience.

Instructors 

This online beekeeping course is taught by Dr. Thomas Carroll, an expert in futures thinking, the future of work, future skills for the 4th Industrial Revolution, the environment, and beekeeping. 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin, an MSc in Entrepreneurship from Stirling University, UK, an MSc in Environmental Science from UCD, and a PhD in Rural Development from UCD.

Course content 

The course boasts an impressive 12 hours of on-demand video, supplemented with 30 articles and 15 downloadable resources. Key areas covered include:

• Setting up an apiary and understanding where to place it.
• Occupying the hive with bees and managing them.
• Harvesting, extracting, and packaging honey.
• Extracting beeswax and crafting simple candles and beeswax polish.
• Building your own top bar hive.
• Understanding the benefits and challenges of beekeeping.
• Exploring the life cycle of honeybees and the beekeeping year.

Beekeeping for Beginners: How to Be a Successful Beekeeper! on Udemy

Course overview 

Beekeeping for Beginners: How to Be a Successful Beekeeper! is a comprehensive course on Udemy that promises to equip learners with everything they need to embark on a successful beekeeping journey. 

The course is designed to cater to both absolute beginners and those looking to reinforce their existing beekeeping skills. 

It covers many topics, from the history of beekeeping and understanding honeybee physiology to practical aspects like setting up hives, managing bees, and harvesting honey.

Instructors 

The course is taught by Tonya Wells and Brianna Wells, owners and beekeepers of Queen Bri’s Honey in Oklahoma City. Their family-oriented approach to beekeeping and their deep-rooted passion for the craft make them ideal instructors for this course.

Course content 

Beekeeping for Beginners: How to Be a Successful Beekeeper! offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on demonstrations. Some of the key areas covered include:

• The history and benefits of beekeeping.
• Understanding the decline of the honeybee population.
• Insights into different types of hives and beekeeping equipment.
• Practical demonstrations on setting up hives, inspecting them, and managing bees.
• Detailed guidance on honey extraction, processing, and packaging.
• Addressing common hive problems, potential diseases, and honeybee pests.
• Preparing hives for winter and understanding beekeeping inspections throughout the year.

Beekeeping for Beginners: How to Be a Successful Beekeeper! includes over 8 hours of on-demand video, 11 downloadable resources, and a practice test. 

Beekeeping for Beginners: How to Be a Successful Beekeeper! by PerfectBee (FREE)

Course overview

PerfectBee offers a comprehensive introductory course tailored for those new to the world of beekeeping. This free course comprises 40 lessons, all delivered straight to your inbox, ensuring you get a thorough introduction to the fascinating realm of beekeeping.

Instructors

The course is provided by PerfectBee, a reputable platform known for its dedication to the beekeeping community.

Course content

The course is structured into three main courses, each diving deep into specific aspects of beekeeping:

1) Learn About Bees:

• The Science of Bees: Covering topics like the diversity of bees, how honey bees reproduce, the process of pollination, and the secrets of honeycomb.
• The Life of Bees: Delving into how bees sense the world, the inner workings of the hive, the foraging behavior of bees, honey production, and the swarming phenomenon.
• About Beekeeping: This section provides insights into beekeeping with kids, finding clubs and mentors, and top beekeeping books.

2) Your Beehive:

• Beehive and Accessories: A guide on what bees and beekeepers need, common types of beehives, and setting up a beehive.
• Equipment And Clothing: Discusses the use of a smoker in beekeeping, protective clothing essentials, and vital tools for beekeepers.
• Starting Your Beehive: Covers the preliminary questions to answer, installing your beehive, obtaining bees, and practical guidance to kickstart your beekeeping journey.

3) A Healthy Beehive:

• Threat To Bees: Discusses the thriving colony, colony collapse disorder, main threats to bees, and the threat of robbing.
• Inspecting Your Beehive: Highlights big issues to check, avoiding swarms, managing hive capacity, and a beekeeper FAQ.
• Reaping The Rewards: Focuses on the tangible rewards of beekeeping.

Beginner’s Beekeeping Course by Rutgers University ($300)

Course overview

Rutgers University offers a comprehensive beginner’s beekeeping course designed to introduce novices to the world of beekeeping. This online beekeeping course aims to give participants the knowledge and confidence to successfully start and maintain a beehive. 

Instructors

The course is led by two experienced beekeepers from Rutgers University: Mike Haberland and Debra Haberland.

Course content

Beginner’s Beekeeping Course by Rutgers University is structured to provide a holistic understanding of beekeeping:

1) Introduction to Beekeeping:

• History and Importance of Beekeeping: Understanding the evolution and significance of beekeeping over the years.
• Honey Bee Biology: Honey bees’ anatomy, life cycle, and behavior.

2) Setting Up Your Hive

• Equipment and Tools: A guide to the essential equipment and tools required for beekeeping.
• Choosing an Apiary Site: Factors to consider when selecting a location for your beehive.

3) Managing Your Hive

• Seasonal Management: Understanding the tasks and challenges associated with different seasons.
• Pest and Disease Management: Identifying common pests and diseases and learning effective management techniques.

4) Harvesting and Products

• Honey Extraction and Processing: Techniques for extracting honey and ensuring its purity and quality.
• Other Bee Products: Exploring products like beeswax, pollen, and propolis and their uses.

Frequently asked questions