The Certificate in Brewing and Fermentation Science follows accepted brewing and alcohol beverage industry guidelines and expected learning outcomes to equip students with a broad base of fundamental skills in the science of brewing, including microbiology and analytical chemistry; brewery operations and facilities management; design and sensory analysis of beer; draft quality and systems; and quality assurance methodology. Upon completion of this multi-disciplinary certificate, students will be ready for the brewing workforce or for graduate programs in fermentation science.
The Certificate in Brewing and Fermentation Science provides foundational coursework in chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, and hospitality management. This prepares graduates for a range of opportunities within the craft beer industry and research field, including careers in brewpub and tap room operations, mid-level production brewery operations, brewery laboratory and/or quality work, or graduate programs in fermentation science. This program allows students with particular interest in brewing and other alcohol beverage production to apply the broad skills gained in biology, chemistry, and HRM in the brewery setting.
Alternatively those already working in the industry can complete this program as a stand-alone certificate for further academic experience in the field. In this instance, the certificate would be perfectly geared for those with entry-level brewing (or related), manufacturing or hospitality experience, or those with a scientific background who wish to gain education in hospitality management and operations.
A certificate focuses on practical training and workforce skill development in a particular field.
To receive an undergraduate certificate of 12 or more units at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Approximately 75 percent of the credits must be earned through coursework at NAU (specific unit requirements may be found in the Details Tab).
Federal financial aid may not be available for certain certificates when they are completed as standalone programs (i.e., not pursued at the same time as a degree). Refer to the 'Details' tab for more information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 24 - 25 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Recommended |
Purpose Statement
The Certificate in Brewing follows accepted brewing and alcohol beverage industry guidelines and expected learning outcomes to equip students with a broad base of fundamental skills in the science of brewing, including microbiology and analytical chemistry; brewery operations and facilities management; design and sensory analysis of beer; draft quality and systems; and quality assurance methodology. Upon completion of this multi-disciplinary certificate, students will be ready for the brewing workforce or for graduate programs in fermentation science.
Student Learning Outcomes
The course learning outcomes have been influenced by the outcomes called out by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.
Based on consultations with advisors from other fermentation science programs and from the brewing industry we feel compelled to expand upon these learning outcomes to include content in quality assurance and hospitality operations.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Take the following 24 - 25 units:
Brewing Quality Analysis Track (11 - 12 units)
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
Brewing Management and Hospitality Track (11 - 12 units)
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.