Non-credit Courses

The MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology offers non-credit course options for individuals interested in online and in-person learning. These courses are perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge in agriculture and related fields without committing to a degree program.

Note: The enrollment deadline is the first day of the course. Contact us immediately if you will require a late enrollment.

Available Non-credit Courses

Viticulture Field Course

Available: August 18-20, 2025 – Northwestern Michigan College & Surrounding Vineyards. This course will take place in-person at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI.

Knowledge of best practice in Viticulture is acquired through hands-on learning experiences with professionals in the field. This course is designed to provide learners with field-based experiences in the following areas: equipment operation, sustainability, new varieties, canopy management, crop estimation, integrated pest management (IPM), budgeting, and crew management.
This course is taught by Cristin Hosmer, popelie1@msu.edu.

*REGISTRATION COMING SOON*

Forest Vegetation

Available: Fall semester: August 25 - December 7

At the end of this course you will be able to walk into any woodlot in Michigan and identify by sight virtually all of the trees and shrubs present. If you travel to other regions of the country or world you will have the skills to easily learn to identify all the trees and shrubs you encounter.
Lecture – online synchronous: Tuesdays and Thursdays – 12:00 – 1:15 pm
Field-based lab – in person at Bay College - Main Campus, Escanaba: Wednesdays – 2 – 5:00 pm
This course is taught by Winona Grieshop, griesho1@msu.edu.

*REGISTRATION COMING SOON*

Agroforestry Systems for Conservation & Profit

Available: Fall semester: August 25 - December 7

Upon course completion, participants will be able to assist landowners with specialized resources for agroforestry farms, tree crop marketing networks and national agroforestry communities of practice.
Online asynchronous
This course is taught by Nathan Ayers; Director, Michigan Agroforestry Partnership, nathan@gmail.com

*REGISTRATION COMING SOON*

Greenhouse Structures and Management

Available: Fall semester: August 25 - December 7

Recommended for hobby growers, growers new in their careers and students in horticulture with an interest in using greenhouses.
Online synchronous: Mondays: 7 – 9 pm
This course is taught by Stacey Rocklin, slrocklin@gmail.com

*REGISTRATION COMING SOON*

How do I enroll?

Enrollment is a very simple 3 step process:

Step 1 – Create an MSU Guest Account. To create anMSU Guest Account follow this link and click on "create your account here" for the student who is being registered (complete Part 1 and 2 of the Guest Account registration process). You will use this MSU Guest Account in the registration process.
Step 2 – Purchase the course of interest at our cashnet storefront.
Step 3 – Login to D2L (Desire 2 Learn)to access your course homepage. Your course will be available on the first date of the academic semester. View academic calendar

Questions?

Any questions can be directed to Stacey Hamilton

For-credit versions of these courses may available to MSU IAT students and MSU undergraduate and graduate students. If you are interested in participating in a formal certificate or degree-granting program through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, please visit the IAT Certificate page or CANR's undergraduate page or graduate programs page to learn more.

Course Refunds and Administrative Policies

A course refund is available for participants that withdraw from a short course within a specific timeframe from the date of the course start date. MSU IAT non-credit course program follows the University-wide policy regarding course fee and tuition refunds, which can be viewed in full through the MSU Office of the Controller.