Craft Brewing

Degree Overview

The Craft Brewing Bachelor of Science 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 brewing, field trips, industry speakers, and research activities.

The Craft Brewing program prepares graduates for a career in brewing with focus on:

• Production
• Quality assurance
• Brewery management
• Merchandising
• Distribution
• Brewing technology
• Packaging, safety & sanitation
• Sensory evaluation
• Entrepreneurship

Placement Opportunities - Alumni Testimonials

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
• Analytical labs within the hop and barley industries

Opportunities for advancement are excellent as CWU Craft Brewing graduates are well prepared to meet the challenges of today's brewing industry. Our office receives several emails monthly from breweries wanting to hire our recent graduates.

"The knowledge and connections I gained in my time in the Craft Brewing program has afforded me many different opportunities in the Craft Beer and Hop Industries. Through the program not only did I gain technical knowledge, but I was able to learn from other students and their experiences in the industry as well. From working in a QC lab to building my experience in sensory as a Sensory Scientist to my current position as Research Brewer for one of the largest hop companies in the world, CWU CRBW staff, alumni, and students have been a huge part of my journey and are a big reason why I am where I am today in my career." Sydney Masovero - Yakima Chief Hops

"The Craft Brewing Program provided me with valuable experiences, education and relationships that have allowed me to perform various roles in the brewing industry. The program had a variety of courses from business classes to microbiology labs that helped me communicate effectively and provide useful information as a Brewer and Quality Lead. I currently work primarily in production brewing and the practical brewing and lab courses I took at CWU gave me the confidence to step into these roles. Lastly, my relationships with my teachers and peers continue to be a resource for employment opportunities and sharing experiences." Robby Williamson - Dru Bru

Program Admittance Requirements & Application

• Admission to CWU - once admitted you can submit a major request through MyCWU directions here or email the application on this web site to Craftbrewing@cwu.edu
• Students must be in good academic standing
• CWU/Transfer Combined cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 or above at the time of application
• Students must be 18 years of age to apply for the Craft Brewing program. 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 time outside the classroom working on assignments and projects. Some sessions may meet on Saturdays.

Craft Brewing majors are expected to participate in internships at breweries or research facilities. Please go to the internship information and resources Internships

Financial Aid Information

Degree Program

Financial aid application forms and questions regarding the application process, visit the Financial Aid Office.

General Scholarships

All students at Central are encouraged to apply for general scholarships. Applications are completed online. The student will be asked questions in order to determine which scholarships they qualify for. The application process typically opens in October (Fall Quarter) and closes on February 1st. Scholarships you are selected for will be awarded the following school year. Please visit the the Scholarship Office for more details, to see available scholarships.