UC Davis Master Brewers pose in brewery with Charlie Bamforth

Brewing

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.

Ways to Pay for Your Certificate Program

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Chijindu in Pilot Brewery

Master Brewers Certificate Program

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Craft Brewing and Beer Classes

 

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Free Sample Lesson

Sign up for a free sample lesson from our Online Master Brewers Certificate Program.
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Two brewers embracing beside copper brewing kettles in an industrial brick brewery.

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UC Davis Master Brewer Certificate FAQs

  • 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.
  • 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 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 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.

     

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