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Course Description

Effective hive management requires an understanding of the behavior, physiology, and evolution of these amazing and complex creatures. Explore this critical knowledge with world-renowned honey bee experts as well as Cornell University researchers and extension associates. This course serves as a foundation to help you understand the characteristics of a colony and how these traits and behaviors support colony survival and success. This information can be applied as you develop your hands-on beekeeping skills and will translate directly into your hive management practices. In addition, it will enable you to better understand the current scientific research and communicate with credibility within the beekeeping community. 

This is the first in a series of courses that equip beekeepers at the hobby, sideliner, and commercial levels with the concepts, knowledge, and best management practices needed to pass the written, oral, and field components of Cornell University’s Master Beekeeping Certificate.

Faculty Author

Emma Kate Mullen; Tom Seeley; Eleanor Andrews; Christina Wahl

Benefits to the Learner

  • Explore the evolution of the honey bee with a focus on how social behavior evolved
  • Understand how honey bees reproduce
  • Identify critical processes in honey bee development
  • Understand how honey bees communicate
  • Explore honey bee biology and physiology
  • Understand how honey bees construct and maintain their hives

Target Audience

This course is perfect for beekeepers with at least three years of experience who are seeking advanced depth and breadth of knowledge to increase the success of their colonies, improve their skills in the bee yard, and gain credibility as a resource in the beekeeping community. Beekeepers who are interested in expanding their operation and extending their business opportunities will also benefit from this course.

 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Type
3 week
Dates
Jan 28, 2026 to Feb 17, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $350.00
Type
3 week
Dates
Mar 25, 2026 to Apr 14, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $350.00
Type
3 week
Dates
May 20, 2026 to Jun 09, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $350.00
Type
3 week
Dates
Jul 15, 2026 to Aug 04, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $350.00
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