Program Overview

Beekeeping Certificate Program

The Beekeeping Certificate Program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the demanding field of commercial pollination. The program offers various courses, including the Commercial Pollination Course, which aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of insect pollination, migratory beekeeping, and pollination economics.

Commercial Pollination Course

The Commercial Pollination Course is a fully online course that runs from November 2 to December 11, 2026. The course is taught by Scott Debnam (primary instructor) and Jerry Bromenshenk (co-instructor). The registration fee for the course is $395.

Course Description

The course covers the basics of insect pollination, including the role of honey bees in commercial pollination. Students learn about successful overwintering strategies, overwintering colony dynamics, and hive monitoring technologies. The course also addresses risk management, farm loans, and private and government programs in place to mitigate loss from damage, liability, and natural disasters.

Required Course Materials

• The Hive and the Honey Bee (Joe Graham, Editor, 2015 Revision)
• Beekeeping in Western Canada (John Guszka, Editor, 1998 edition or newer)

Course Policies

• Enrollment and payment: Courses are dependent on a minimum number of registered students to run. Registration fees vary by course, and full payment is required at the time of registration.
• Refunds: Students will receive full refunds for cancellations received up to one week before the course start date.
• ADA Accommodations: The University of Montana will provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Program Details

The Beekeeping Certificate Program is designed for beekeepers who wish to expand their operations to a large scale or commercial level. The program is structured with weekly topics, discussion forums, assignments, and quizzes. Upon successful completion of the course, 5.0 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) will be awarded, and a certificate will be issued.

Program Structure

The program is taught online through Canvas, the University of Montana's online learning system. Participants must have access to an internet-connected computer and should allow for 7-10 hours per week of study time. Instructions for logging on to the online course will be sent to registrants about one week before the class begins.

Course Outline

• Week 1: Introduction to Commercial Pollination
• Week 2: Insect Pollination and Migratory Beekeeping
• Week 3: Pollination Economics and Risk Management
• Week 4: Overwintering Strategies and Hive Monitoring Technologies
• Week 5: Farm Loans and Government Programs
• Week 6: Final Project and Course Evaluation

Program Benefits

The Beekeeping Certificate Program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of commercial pollination and prepares them for a career in the industry. The program is designed to be flexible and accommodating, allowing students to complete the course at their own pace. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate and 5.0 CEUs, demonstrating their expertise in commercial pollination.