Education in the Craft Beverage Industry

Fermentation Science

Eastern Michigan University,
Ypsilanti

Bachelor of Science

The Fermentation Science program at Eastern Michigan University has been designed to bring together subjects from multiple disciplines and to frame them in the context of the science of fermentation and its practical application.

Brewing and Distillation Technology

Schoolcraft College,
Livonia

Brewing and Distillation Technology Certificate and Brewing and Distillation Technology Program AGS Degree

This program is intended for those who are interested in starting a career in brewing, expanding their current brewing knowledge and practice, or considering opening a brewpub or microbrewery.

Craft Brewing, Packaging, and Service Operations

Grand Rapids Community College – Secchia Institute for Culinary Education,
Grand Rapids

Craft Brewing Certificate

This certificate will prepare students to understand the brewing, business, and service essentials of the craft brewing industry.

Sustainable Brewing

Kalamazoo Valley Community College,
Kalamazoo

Sustainable Brewing Certificate

This new program of study will provide students with specific competencies considered critical when working in the brewing field in a variety of roles. Its development has been informed by industry partners and focus/advisory groups.

Wine & Viticulture Technology

Lake Michigan College,
Benton Harbor

Wine and Viticulture Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree

This winemaking program is the Midwest’s first and only commercial teaching winery. From grape growing to winemaking through tasting room managing, this program covers every part of the industry. Classes are also offered virtually.

VESTA – Viticulture & Enology Science & Technology Alliance

Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology,
East Lansing

Certificate

The Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology is a partner institution with VESTA, creating outstanding opportunities for Michigan residents to access the national network for education, hands-on learning, and job placement in grape production and wine making.

Minor in Beverage Science and Technology

Michigan State University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
East Lansing

Undergraduate Minor

The Minor in Beverage Science and Technology is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the production of fermented beverages. Certain courses in this minor are only offered at off-campus wineries or breweries. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The minor is administered by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Fermentation Science Program

Central Michigan University,
Mount Pleasant

Certificate

The certificate in Fermentation Science program at CMU is a 16-credit program designed to be completed in one year. The program is open to both degree seeking and non-degree seeking students who have been accepted to CMU.

Professional Brew Management

Ferris State University,
Big Rapids

Associate of Applied Science in Professional Brew Management

The program curriculum provides the necessary knowledge, leadership skills, and professionalism to prepare students for craft brewing and craft brewery operations management

Wine, Beer, and Spirits Laws and Regulations

Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and MSU College of Law

Non credit, Food Law Certificate and Master's in Global Food Law offered

This online course examines the laws, regulations, and policies that govern alcoholic beverages in the United States. The emphasis is on federal laws, specifically regulation by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and FDA including industry’s primary regulators, the classification of beverages, the regulation of labeling and advertising, formulas, additives, three-tier distribution system, excise taxes, import/export rules and misbranding/adulteration liability, inspections/enforcement/compliance, and current hot topics. A brief comparison of state approaches to regulation is also included. Offered spring semester of each year.