• Adult Online Programs & Classes

Amphibian Foundation Online Learning for Adults

Herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles, is typically a university course, only available to college students. The Amphibian Foundation has changed all that by offering full semesters of Herpetology and related courses, instructed by global leaders in the field. Our programs offer certification and are open to all (18+). Many of these online classes are asynchronous and offered for multiple times zones (EST, CST, PST / CET).

Master Herpetologist Program
Offered 6 times a year

Master Herpetologist Program

The Master Herpetologist Program, which was first launched in Atlanta, GA USA as a regional course in herpetology, has since exploded into an online global phenomenon. Thousands of students have completed the program, become certified as Master Herpetologists, and joined this world-wide network. Whether you are looking for a college-level course in herpetology, or taking the first steps towards a career in the field, the Master Herpetologist Program provides a herpetological foundation in a supportive environment.

16 week certification program. $325

Asynchronous, with optional live Zoom sessions (office hours) every other week at two times: 5 pm CET/11 am EST + 5 pm EST/11 pm CET

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Full semester (16 week) Online Courses
Offered 3 times a year

Southeastern Master Herpetologist Program

The Southeastern Master Herpetologist Program is offered 100% online, and is a 16 week exploration into the rich herpetofauna of the southeastern United States. Taught by a diversity of herpetologists, agency professionals, academics, graduate students, the course provides a foundation in southeast regional herpetology.

16 week certification program: $300

Asynchronous, with optional live Zoom sessions (office hours) every other week at 6 pm EST/11:59 pm CET

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Husbandry & Captive Management Course

This intensive class provides a husbandry foundation as we learn from zoo professionals, nonprofit keepers, conservation managers, professional breeders, and others about the best practices and proven techniques for keeping and breeding reptiles & amphibians in captivity. Methods for growing healthy live food, ensuring proper water quality, light and heat sources, and more will be provided by professionals, as well as details of successful captive projects with species and groups of salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and more.

16 week certification program: $275

Asynchronous, with optional live Zoom sessions (office hours) every other week at 6 pm EST/11:59 pm CET

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Courses in Development

Biology of the Despised
Coming in 2026

Since its inception, AF has prioritized elevating the world's Foul and Loathsome Creatures, and we strive to turn fear into fascination with animal groups that are often maligned, misunderstood, and unfortunately, maliciously killed.

Since 2016, and each year during the Atlanta Science Festival, we highlight a group of animals that most of our neighbors despise. It's heartening that these events generally attract a large and diverse crowd from our community. It is wonderful to engage with people about these incredible species, like Snapping Turtles or Copperheads, and answer questions to help our neighbors understand why that Snapper is digging a hole in their backyard, or how to properly identify a Copperhead. We might help save the life of a harmless and beneficial Dekays Snake, which are maliciously killed in large numbers by people who think they are venomous Copperheads.

Now, we are developing this model into a global online celebration of despised species — Sign up for the mailing list, and we'll let you know when registration opens.

Master Herpetologist Program - Level II - Research & Case Studies
Coming in 2026

By popular demand, we are developing a Level II edition of the Master Herpetologist Program. This course will build on the Level I program, and be focused on the current global research and case studies, highlighting the people advancing our understanding of these fascinating groups.

Sign up for the mailing list, and we'll let you know when registration opens.

Master Herpetologist Program - Conservation Edition
Coming in 2026

Numerous threats to amphibian and reptile taxa have been known to science for decades, and yet populations continue to decline globally. In the US, these declines include species currently listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. There continues to be an urgent need to increase our collective capacity to conserve imperiled herpetofauna, particularly those facing imminent extinction. This course will be a 16-week deep-dive into current conservation actions, and earth's most imperiled amphibians and reptiles. Using the recently published text Strategies for Conservation Success in Herpetology (Walls, et al, 2024), the course will be led by one of the book's editors (Susan Walls), and aims to provide students with knowledge of conservation frameworks which have advanced amphibian and reptile conservation world wide.

Sign up for the mailing list, and we'll let you know when registration opens.