Mycology – Online Microcredential

Get up close and personal with fungi and lichens

Fungi and lichens are powerful players in ecosystems, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients essential for plant growth. When you earn a microcredential in mycology online from Oregon State University, you’ll develop a deep understanding of these organisms and use your knowledge to create a more sustainable world.

Coursework in taxonomy, ecology and biology will provide you with a full picture of the diversity and biological characteristics of these organisms, while field work allows for hands-on exploration. You will build powerful skills you can use in a range of careers related to biodiversity, ecosystem health and sustainable resource management.

Coursework

Required courses (11 credits)

• BOT 461 – Mycology (4)
• BOT 462 – Fungal Ecology (3)
• BOT 465 – Lichenology (4)

Prerequisite courses

Courses within this microcredential offering require you to complete prerequisites. The online options are outlined below. If you have questions about this requirement or to view the full range of prerequisite options, contact the program lead. 

• BI 204 – Introductory Biology 
• BI 205 – Introductory Biology II
• BI 206 – Introductory Biology III

Skills

The in-demand skills you’ll develop in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up your career.

• Field research
• Critical thinking
• Data collection
• Mycology
• Fungal taxonomy
• Lichen taxonomy
• Community ecology

Start working toward a degree in botany

Once you complete a microcredential in mycology, you can apply 4 of the credits you earn either from BOT 461 or BOT 465 directly toward Oregon State's online bachelor's degree in botany.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.