The Bachelor of Science in Craft Brewing is an interdisciplinary bachelor degree program offered by the College of Sciences. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of brewing and the brewing industry. The degree is built upon a strong foundation in science and incorporates hands-on pilot brewing, field trips, industry speakers, and research activities. The program prepares graduates for a career in various brewing positions including production, quality assurance, brewery management, 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, Assistant 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:

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.

Students must be 18 years of age to apply for the Major program.  It should be understood that all classroom courses involving tasting will require students to taste and spit (WA ST legislation RCW 66.20.010 (12) a-f).

Students will be expected to spend significant time outside the classroom working on assignments and projects.  Some sessions may meet on Saturdays.

Admission Requirements:

• Good Academic standing the quarter prior to admission
• CWU/Transfer Combined cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.25 or above at the time of application
• Students must fill out an application that includes an essay of motivation and goals
• Students must agree to sign a written statement regarding professional conduct and responsibility
• Students must be at least 21 years old before enrolling CRBW 450 - Sensory Analysis for Brewing & CRBW 490 - Cooperative Education.  Please contact the department for further information

Major Application Deadline:

Applications to the degree program are accepted on a rolling basis. Please complete the Major, Minor or Certificate application and email it to Craftbrewing@cwu.edu or to the Director, Eric Graham at Eric.Graham@cwu.edu.