The Bachelor of Science in Craft Brewing is an interdisciplinary bachelor degree program offered by the College of Sciences and will provide students with an in-depth understanding of brewing and the brewing industry. The Craft Brewing degree is built upon a strong foundation in science and is focused on providing students with content, experience, and skills in brewing science, analytical laboratory techniques, quality assurance, and management. Additionally, courses incorporate hands-on and inquiry based learning opportunities through case studies, pilot brewing, field trips, industry speakers, and research activities. The program prepares graduates for a career in the brewing production, quality assurance, brewery management, beer merchandising, distribution, brewing technology, packaging, safety, sanitation, sensory evaluation, and entrepreneurship.

Placement Opportunities

Recent CWU Craft Brewing graduates have found employment with local, national and international brewing companies. Position titles include Head Brewer, Assitant Brewer, Brewery Owner, Packaging Supervisor, Cellar Technician, Marketing Specialist, Communication Coordinator, Taproom Manager and Sales Representative. Graduates have also gone on to work in analytical labs, and within the hop and barley industries.

Opportunities for advancement are excellent as Central's graduates are well prepared to meet the challenges of today's brewing industry. Our office receives several emails a month from breweries hoping to hire our recent graduates.

Major Admittance Requirements & Application:

Each year, the Craft Brewing program, receives more requests for admission from students than can be accommodated. Hence, admission to the Craft Brewing program is limited and based on a competitive admission process. The Craft Brewing admission requirements ensure that each student admitted to the program, has the potential, intellectual capacity, interest, and drive to succeed in the program, and to continue on to a successful career in the Craft Brewing industry.

Prerequisite Coursework: Students wishing to attain full admission to the BS in Craft Brewing must complete the following prerequisite courses below with a grade of C or better.

>> Courses Required for Entrance <<

Admission Requirements:

• Overall minimum 2.5 GPA
• Student must be at least 21 years old before enrolling in courses that may involve sensory evaluation of beer: CRBW 317 Brewing Processes and Biochemistry; CRBW 450 Sensory Analysis for Brewing; CRBW 495 Brewing Research Methods; CRBW 470 Current Topics; CRBW 499 Brewing Seminar. Contact the department for further information.

Major Application Deadline:

Applications to the degree program are accepted on a rolling basis.  The application can be found on our Forms & Applications page, or by clicking here.

*Craft Brewing Pre-major:  A pre-major student generally has freshman or sophomore standing or is a recent transfer from a community college or other university. A pre-major has not completed all of the required prerequisite coursework or has not yet met the entrance requirements but has applied for acceptance as a future major of the program.

Withdrawals from the Program: Student’s tuition and fees will not be removed due to non-attendance. Official withdrawal procedures must be followed and are located at http://www.cwu.edu/registrar/

CWU Craft Brewing
400 E University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7433
Ph: 509-963-1386
Fax: 509-963-1690

For general inquiries, please email Katie Olson: Katie.Olson@cwu.edu
For student advising & curriculum, please email Dr. Steve Wagner: WagnerS@cwu.edu