UC Davis Master Brewers pose in brewery with Charlie Bamforth

Beer Brewing Program

If you’re asking yourself “How do I get into brewing?” then you’ve come to the right place. UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education is the premier place to learn the art and science of brewing beer. As one of the world’s most respected brewing schools, we offer university-level training in brewing science and brewery engineering to help you advance your craft. Whether you’re looking to become a brewmaster or a brewing industry professional, our craft beer and brewery certificate program can help you achieve your goals.

Who is Our Beer Brewing Program for?

UC Davis's master brewers program comes in two distinct formats – in person and online – and is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to step in and run a professional brewing operation. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge in brewing science and brewery engineering from industry-recognized experts, all without needing prior professional brewing experience.

Our beer brewing program is a great fit for: 

  • Homebrewers and brewing enthusiasts
  • New and aspiring brewery owners
  • Brewing equipment vendors
  • Malt suppliers and distributors
  • Homebrew retailers
  • Brewery apprentices and early-career professionals
  • Brewery employees ready to level up their skills
Chijindu in Pilot Brewery

Master Brewers Certificate Program

 glasses of beer

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.

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close up of glass being filled up with beer at the tap

Tapping Potential Fund

Explore how the Tapping Potential Fund opens doors for future brewers. Learn how to give or apply for a scholarship today.

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Educating the Industry’s Best Brewers

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

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UC Davis Beer Brewing Certificate FAQs

  • What degree do you need for brewing?

  • While there’s no single required path to becoming a brewmaster, developing strong technical skills is essential. Many brewers start by earning a bachelor’s degree in brewing science, chemistry, fermentation science, or a related subject to better understand the science behind great beer. 

    Another option is to enroll in UC Davis’s master brewer certificate. Offered in both online and in-person formats, this craft brewing certificate provides in-depth training in grain handling, malting and malt analysis, brewhouse operations, wort quality control, yeast management, fermentation, and more. 

    Though a degree is not required for acceptance to this program, college-level work in one math subject and two sciences is required for success in the program. You must be able to provide transcripts documenting successful completion (grade C or better) of the following requirements: 

    (a) Mathematics (pre-calculus) 

    and 

    (b) Two of the subject areas listed below: 

    Biological sciences: microbiology, cell physiology or biochemistry (general biology is not sufficient) 

    Chemistry: general, organic, inorganic or analytical 

    Physics: heat and mechanics or process control 

    Engineering: topics in mechanical or chemical engineering

  • What is the study of brewing called?

  • Zymology, also known as zymurgy, is the science behind fermentation. It examines how yeast and bacteria work, how they’re selected, and how they’re applied in brewing, winemaking, fermented dairy, and other fermented foods. You can dive into these topics and gain hands-on knowledge through the brewery certificate programs offered in UC Davis’s master brewer certificate, including:

    • Raw Materials and Wort Production
    • Beer Production and Microbiology
    • Brewery Cellar and Lab Operations
    • Brewery Engineering
    • Beer Quality, Safety, and Sustainability
  • 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’s master brewer certificate 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 Master Brewers 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.