Bee-ginner’s Beekeeping: The Basics of Apiculture

Learn how to be a beekeeper in this self-paced online course that teaches students how to start, maintain, and care for a honey bee colony.

Main Content

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Course Status: Registration Closed

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Course Details

Course Name: Bee-ginner’s Beekeeping: The Basics of Apiculture
Course Code: AE0401WC22
Date of Most Recent Offering: May 2 – 23, 2022

Course Opens: May 2, 2022 at 8:00 am EDT
Course Closes: May 23, 2022 at 11:59 pm EDT
Optional Live Q & A Session with Instructors on Zoom: May 18, 2022 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

Participants can complete the course content (which will take approximately 16-17 hours) at their own pace anytime during the period the course is open. If you are registering while the course is already in session, please note that you will still need to complete the content within the time allotted. No time extensions will be made for late registrations.

Location: Online
Format: Self-paced

Registration Fee: $300 per person
NJ or PA Beekeepers Association Members Discount Fee: $275 per person
Master Gardeners Discount Fee: $275 per person

Registration Closes: May 18, 2022 at 12:00 pm EDT

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

This online class is designed to provide information that new beekeepers need to start and care for a honey bee colony. Learn everything you need to know to further your hobby or get your business off the ground!

Participants will be introduced to bee biology and management. Participants will also learn how to assemble hives, open and examine colonies, and see how honey and beeswax are harvested.

This course fulfills the legal requirements of the State of New Jersey for beekeeper education: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/pdf/Diseasesofbees.pdf.

  • Bee Biology
  • Disease and Mite Prevention
  • Hive Assembly and Management
  • Honey Extraction
  • Queen Bee Purchasing
  • And Much More!

Who Should Attend?

Whether you are brand new to beekeeping or already have a few years as an apiarist under your belt, you will gain valuable insights from our seasoned instructor and his experience.

Our students come from all walks of life – attorneys, teachers, retirees, farmers, artists – but they leave with one thing in common: a newfound confidence to start their own hives and pursue their passion for beekeeping.

Meet Your Instructors

Mike Haberland, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Headshot of instructor Mike Haberland

Mike Haberland is an associate professor and County Environmental Agent with Rutgers University Cooperative Extension. He uses applied research and collaborates with organizations to develop programs that assist in the creation, promotion, and education, of innovative environmental, sustainable community, and natural resource management practices. Mike uses beekeeping and the creation of native pollinator habitat for research and as a way to educate the public on the importance of pollinators.

Debra Haberland, Working Girls Meadows

Headshot of instructor Debra Haberland

Debbie is a marine biologist, teacher, and owner of Working Girls Meadows. She has been involved in beekeeping for over seven years. One of her main goals is to use her education and scientific background to promote the science of beekeeping and educate on the importance of pollinators. The goal of Debbie’s apiaries is to produce queens and nucleus hives to increase the availability of locally-raised and adapted bees in order to assist the survival and health of bees in our area.

Student Reviews

“I loved this course and have wanted to learn more about beekeeping for years. The fact that it was online meant that I could do it! I really liked the ability to be able to ask questions and was impressed at how quickly they were answered.”

– Past Participant

“I really enjoyed the course; it was beyond my expectations. The live Zoom session was excellent and good way to wrap up the course. Terrific job!”

– Past Participant

“I have already recommended this course [to others]. I thought it was a great, thorough course for beginners and achieved in making me feel confident enough to try beekeeping.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

There are no continuing education credits offered for this course.

Course Requirements and Policies

electronic devices iconTechnology Requirements

This course is offered online within the Canvas learning management system. It will take approximately 16-17 hours to complete, and participants will have 3 weeks to complete the coursework at their own pace.

Equipment you will need to access this training:

  • Computer or tablet (phones are not recommended for optimal viewing and interaction)

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $60 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Bee-ginner’s Beekeeping, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Pamela Springard-Mayer

Program Coordinator: Pamela Springard-Mayer
848-932-7463
pspring@rutgers.edu

Headshot of Rutgers OCPE Administrative Assistant Jackie Findra

Administrative Assistant: Jackie Findra
848-932-7180
j.findra@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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Bees flying around beehive

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