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Master Melittologist Program

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Bee School

As part of our efforts to build taxonomic expertise in surveying native bees in the Pacific Northwest, the Master Melittologist Program is offering intermediate (bumble bees to species and other bees to genus) and advanced (species keys) native bee identification courses held each year at Oregon State University in Corvallis.

You do not have to be a member of the Master Melittologist to participate in this course, although the focus is on bees found in the Pacific Northwest region. Our goal is to train people in bee taxonomy, who can then be leaders in their region through teaching others.

Photo: Andony Melathopoulos

Prerequisites:

For both sessions, we are looking for people committed for the long term who have a passion for teaching others and sharing the knowledge they have gained from the course. We do not recommend this course for absolute beginners. Hone your first-year skills at one of our Microscope Trainings or open mic sessions. If you have attended Bee School in the past, we encourage you to be bold and register for the Advanced session!

Location:

Each session meets all day in the microscope lab on the OSU campus in Corvallis, OR. Basic dorm lodging is available on campus (Advanced Bee School only) or from many available hotels in Corvallis. Agriculture and Life Sciences Building room 0012, OSU Campus in Corvallis

Sessions:

Advanced Course: Monday August 18th to Friday August 22nd, 2025

  • Master Melittologist Participant registration fee: $500
  • Standard registration fee: $1500
  • Intermediate Bee School (or a waiver based on equivalent experience) is a prerequisite. The session covers advanced topics suited to someone who has a few years of experience with identifying bees to the genus level. We will cover resources to identify specimens to species. The course can be catered to individual abilities.
  • A limited number of scholarships are available upon request for those who have completed the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program. Email [email protected] for info.
  • REGISTER HERE

Two-day Intermediate Course: Saturday November 15th to Sunday November 16th, 2025

  • Master Melittologist Participant registration fee: $300
  • Standard registration fee: $500
  • This session is a crash course introduction to bee genera and bumble bee species. Becoming proficient in these skills will help you pass the Journey Exam. Attending Intermediate Bee School can satisfy the lab training requirement for the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program.
  • A limited number of scholarships are available upon request for those who have completed the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program. Email [email protected] for info.
  • REGISTER HERE

Two-day Intermediate Course: Saturday January 31st to Sunday February 1st, 2026

  • Master Melittologist Participant registration fee: $300
  • Standard registration fee: $500
  • This session is a crash course introduction to bee genera and bumble bee species. Becoming proficient in these skills will help you pass the Journey Exam. Attending Intermediate Bee School can satisfy the lab training requirement for the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program.
  • A limited number of scholarships are available upon request for those who have completed the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program. Email [email protected] for info.
  • REGISTER HERE

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