A Distance-Delivered Brewing Laboratory Science Certificate

The UNC Brewing Laboratory Science Graduate Certificate is delivered online with brewery experiences coordinated either at UNC or at a brewery near you. Our flexible program is perfect for working professionals who want to become experts in brewing science and quality control.

This certificate involves coursework and hands-on experiences in...

  • Beer production
  • Beer quality
  • Brewery planning
  • Implementing QA/QC protocols (including good brewing practices, SOPs, and HACCP plans).

We tailor this program to your unique situation – allowing courses to be completed through a variety of options including online coursework, face-to-face lectures and labs, and internships at breweries convenient to your location. This certificate can be completed entirely at a distance, without coming to the UNC campus.

Ferment Your Brewing Science Career

This graduate certificate is designed for those interested in changing to a career in brewing or expanding their brewing knowledge. Upon completion of this program, you will have the knowledge to...

  • Attain positions in brewing management or brewing quality management
  • Implement QA/QC procedures at a brewery
  • Start your own brewing laboratory
  • Ensure brewing quality control for your own brewing operations

The need for brewing laboratory science skills—in Colorado and nationwide—is still growing. There were 9,535 craft breweries in the U.S. in 2022, with 428 in Colorado (fifth most in the nation). Consistent beer quality is a key factor in the success of new and growing breweries. Position yourself for a critical and growing role in the brewing industry.

Photo of brewing certificate students testing a sample

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 Flexible, Distance-Offered Program with Practical Brewing Experiences

This certificate features flexible course options that allow you to tailor your education to your unique schedule and your career goals in the brewing industry.

  • You will take one or more online courses.
  • For all practical brewing experience courses, UNC faculty will help you arrange opportunities at a brewery in your area. This requires participation by brewing professionals at the chosen brewery to oversee your placement.
  • Experiential learning experiences can also be completed at UNC if you prefer.
  • Most students will take one course per term and complete the certificate in one year. You can complete the program in less than a year if you take more than one course during a particular term.
  • The Program Coordinator can help you determine the best course options throughout your student experience.

Certificate Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Laboratory Science (3 Credit Hours Required)

Experiential Learning (3 Credit Hours Required)

Brewery and Laboratory Design (3 Credit Hours Required)


For full program requirement details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog.

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