UC Davis Master Brewers pose in brewery with Charlie Bamforth

Brewing

Prepare for your next step in commercial brewing with the UC Davis Master Brewers Certificate Program. Whether you’re exploring how to get into brewing or looking to advance your craft, build a university-level foundation in brewing science and brewery engineering at one of the world’s most respected brewing schools. Designed for aspiring and experienced brewers, this rigorous professional education combines the art and science of brewing to prepare you for a range of careers—from brewmaster to other specialized roles throughout the brewing industry.

Ways to Pay for Your Certificate Program

Explore options to help finance your education:

Chijindu in Pilot Brewery

Master Brewers Certificate Program

 Young man in white T-shirt sniffing amber liquid in beaker amid stainless tanks

Craft Brewing and Beer Classes

 

stylized icon of beer mug

Free Sample Lesson

Sign up for a free sample lesson from our Online Master Brewers Certificate Program.
Group photo of 13 smiling staff with badges in a supply room

Master Brewers Students Turn Passion into Expertise

Discover how the Master Brewers Certificate Program helps aspiring and experienced brewers gain the skills and confidence to succeed.

Read more
Two brewers embracing beside copper brewing kettles in an industrial brick brewery.

Educating the Industry’s Best Brewers

Learn how one of the longest running and most respected brewing programs in the world got its start.

Read more
UC Davis Master Brewers graduate Shae Vaughn poses in front of the beer menu at Storm Peak Brewing

Build Your Future in Brewing

Available in person and online, the Master Brewers Certificate Program provides an advanced foundation in brewing science and brewery engineering to help you prepare for a broad range of roles in commercial brewing and related industries.

Discover how graduates have applied their education to enter the industry, advance their careers and pursue new professional opportunities.

 

 

Shae Vaughn

"My goals were to learn about brewing science and engineering – mission accomplished. Meet industry leaders and professionals to build a network of people to contact when I have questions or need help (or potentially a job) – double check. And lastly, make new friends for life as fellow brewers – triple check!"

Read more student testimonials

 

Brewing Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need professional brewing experience to apply?
  • No. Previous professional brewing experience is not required. Applicants must meet the academic prerequisites and other admission requirements. Review the Master Brewers Certificate prerequisites before applying.
  • Will this certificate prepare me for a brewing career?
  • The program builds scientific knowledge and technical understanding that can support entry into commercial brewing or advancement within the industry. Your career path will also depend on your background and continued development of practical skills through industry experience.
  • What are the prerequisites for the Master Brewers Certificate Program?
  • Previous professional brewing experience is not required. Program curriculum and prerequisites are the same for both the online and in-person programs. Check out our Prerequisites page for detailed information.
    Please note: You must take course(s) from an accredited institution and you must receive a passing grade in order for the course(s) to count towards the prerequisite coursework. All minimum prerequisites must be completed in advance of applying. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission and/or placement on the waitlist.
  • Why do I need these prerequisites?
  • The program examines the science and engineering behind commercial brewery operations. College-level preparation in mathematics and approved sciences helps you work with technical concepts, complete calculations and understand the processes that influence beer production and quality.
  • Does UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education accept VA benefits?
  • Yes. Veterans of the U.S. military who have available educational benefits can enroll in either the in-person or the online Master Brewers Certificate Program and obtain reimbursement from the Veterans Administration. Students planning to use VA benefits for the online Master Brewers Certificate Program should be aware that while the VA does pay for classes and required textbooks, they do not provide a living stipend for the online program.  

    UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education has approval under the Veterans Educational Benefits program to allow veterans, their dependents and others who qualify for Veterans Educational Benefits to further their education via one of our certificate programs.

    Continuing and Professional Education programs and courses are not included in the CalVet college fee waiver benefits to dependents of disabled or deceased veterans who are enrolled in a California public college.

    Contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education to find out if the program that interests you has been approved for G.I. Bill educational benefits, ask questions about the process, or, when you are ready to enroll, contact Student Services at (800) 757-8777 or email [email protected].
  • What is the difference between a brewmaster and a master brewer?

  • In practice, the terms “brewmaster” and “master brewer” are used interchangeably in the industry, even though they technically describe different things. 

     A craft brewmaster is a professional role. It refers to the person responsible for overseeing the brewing process at a brewery, including recipe development, production, quality control, and staff management. 

    A master brewer describes a brewer’s level of training and expertise. Master brewers typically have advanced education or many years of experience in brewing science, fermentation, and production management. 

    UC Davis Master Brewer Certificate Program prepares you to become an accomplished brewmaster. You’ll develop the advanced technical knowledge and professional judgment associated with master-level brewing expertise.

  • Is the UC Davis Master Brewer Certificate Program a master’s degree?

  • No. While the master brewer certificate is rigorous and comprehensive, it is not a UC Davis master’s degree. Graduates earn a professional certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Explore all FAQs