For Master Brewers Members, Students, and Learning Institutions

The Master Brewers Higher Education Committee is tasked with providing guidance to and a “pathway to recognition” for academic institutions that offer or are developing certificate or degree programs in fermentation science. Providing such industry-led guidance is particularly important because many institutions are either offering or exploring such programs and the brewing industry has a strong interest in developing a wide field of appropriately educated, future employees.

While the learning outcomes are similar for each, the following distinctions may provide insight into how the brewing industry would differentiate between graduates in each category:

• Four Year Program: A four-year college-level degree generally is required (along with other requirements) by the brewing industry for management-level jobs and is distinguished from a two-year associate’s degree in applied science by 1) a high degree of theoretical knowledge about the relationships between each of the following—fermentation, brewing raw materials, brewhouse engineering, packaging, and safety; 2) a strong ability to function as part of a brewery production team; and 3) a basic understanding of the business of brewing (e.g., inventory management). The minimum number of credits pertaining to “capstone” courses should be no less than nine (three courses). Graduates should be able to assist in the commissioning and/or day-to-day operation of a small, packaging brewery.

• Two Year Program: A two-year associate’s degree in applied science generally is required (along with other requirements) by the brewing industry for the entry-level brewhouse, packaging, and maintenance jobs and is distinguished from a four-year program by an emphasis on the practical application of skills pertaining to the day-to-day operation of a brewery or a set of functions within a brewery (e.g., packaging, engineering). The minimum number of credits pertaining to “capstone” courses should be no less than nine (three courses). Graduates should be able to use an entry-level position as a way to build on their education and practical experience (e.g., internship or lab experience) to advance, if desired, into higher-level positions.

• Certificate Program: A certificate in brewing is generally required (along with other requirements) by the brewing industry for the entry-level cellar, packaging, and maintenance jobs and is distinguished from a two-year program by its focus on a general overview of the brewing industry, providing an understanding of day-to-day brewery operations and basic principles used on the job (e.g., cleaning, sanitation, brewing science). The minimum amount of time recommended for a certificate program is 10–18 weeks, with time spent as an intern in a brewery either during or after the program. Completion of a certificate program in brewing should provide graduates with the ability to start in an entry-level brewery position. 

Program Instructions and Application Form

• About the Program
• Program Application Instructions
• Application Form​

• 4-year B.A. Degree Guidelines
• 4-year B.A. Degree Learning Outcomes
• 2-year AAS Degree Guidelines
• 2-year AAS Degree Learning Outcomes
• Certificate Guidelines
• Certificate Learning Outcomes

Recognized Programs

The following programs have been recognized as meeting the approved guidelines and learning outcomes.

•  Industry Survey of Membership Expectations for New Hires and Education

For Students

• Sample Job Description
• Reading List

Recognition Program Announcement

• Inaugural Brewing and Fermentation Science Recognition Program Set to Launch Press Release 
•    Inaugural Brewing and Fermentation Science Recognition Program Off to a Strong Start —First Round of Recognition Complete Press Release