20 months (online)
$14,600 (online)
Turn your passion for brewing into a distinguished career with UC Davis' Master Brewers Certificate Program. This comprehensive program offers an in-depth exploration of brewing science and brewery engineering, equipping you with the expertise to excel in the dynamic brewing industry. From mastering the nuances of malting and fermentation to understanding the intricacies of fluid dynamics and heat transfer, our curriculum is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a leader in the brewhouse. Join a community of dedicated brewers and gain unparalleled insights that will set you apart in the brewing industry.
Payment Plan Now Available
Pay for your Master Brewers Certificate Program in three installments.
What You'll Learn
Classroom lectures are designed to provide you with an understanding of:
- Grain handling, malting, malt analysis and their effects in brewing
- Brewhouse processes and the control of wort quality
- Yeast and fermentation processes and their effects on beer quality
- Finishing beer, sterilization of beer and packaging technology
- Flow of fluids in pipes and through pumps in a brewery setting
- Heat transfer and the effects of insulation and fouling on efficiency
- Theory and practice of carbonation, including mixed gas technology
- Theory and practice of refrigeration in the brewery
What You'll Get
- The knowledge necessary to become a thoughtful, accomplished and professional brewer who is eagerly sought by employers in today’s brewing industry
- Flexibility to choose between an in-person or online program that fits your needs
- Industry recognition
- Access to some of the best brewing instructors in the world
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals in both the brewing and brewing supply industries
“Earning the Master Brewers certificate was my way into the industry.”
Amanda Koeller, Las Vegas Brewing Company
Two Options, One World-class Education
We offer two program formats to meet the needs of today’s adult learner:
In-person Format
Immerse yourself in the craft of brewing with in this intensive, 15-week experience designed for those who want to take their skills to the next level. Based in Davis, Calif., this full-time, in-person program connects you with world-class faculty, industry experts, and passionate peers—all while providing hands-on training in a state-of-the-art brewing facility.
Supplement your classroom training with hands-on lessons in the UC Davis Anheuser-Busch InBev Pilot Brewery, a cutting-edge 1.5-barrel brewhouse equipped with modern brewing technology and an advanced lab where you'll gain practical experience using professional equipment. Beyond the classroom, you'll embark on exclusive field trips to renowned breweries and suppliers, and hear insider perspectives from industry veterans, giving you a 360-degree view of the brewing world.
With classes running Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this immersive program is perfect for those who thrive in hands-on learning environments and are ready to turn their passion for brewing into a professional career.
Online Format
Designed for flexibility without compromise, this fully online program delivers the same rigorous curriculum as our in-person format, giving you access to expert instruction, industry-leading insights, and a career-advancing education—all from the comfort of wherever you can access the internet.
Through a blend of high-quality, pre-recorded lectures and scheduled live sessions, you’ll engage with world-class instructors and industry professionals while keeping your studies aligned with your personal and professional commitments. Interactive assignments, quizzes, and instructor office hours ensure you stay on track, with dedicated support at every step.
Expect to spend 3-5 hours per week online, plus an additional 3-5 hours on readings and assignments. Each course spans 10-12 weeks, and the entire program is designed to be completed in approximately 20 months—allowing you to master the craft of brewing at a pace that works for you. Students in the online program also can participate in an optional, week-long brewing bootcamp at UC Davis.
Whether you're looking to break into the brewing industry or advance your existing career, this format is perfect for those who desire flexibility without sacrificing a world-class brewing education.
Cost Breakdown
In-person Program
- Tuition: $16,000*
- Certificate fee: $125
- Textbooks & materials: covered in cost of tuition
- Total: $16,125
*Fees do not include room and board.
Online Program
- Tuition: $13,200
- Certificate fee: $125
- Textbooks & materials: $1,400
- Week-long bootcamp (optional): $1,400*
- Total (w/out bootcamp): $14,725
- Total (w/bootcamp): $16,125
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Ensure you meet the prerequisites for the Master Brewers Certificate Program. While 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. All minimum prerequisites must be completed in advance of applying. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. Learn more about this program’s prerequisites.
- Step 2: Complete and submit the online application form. During this process, you will have the opportunity to choose between our in-person or online program. Note that transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) demonstrating your completion of all prerequisites will be required.
- Step 3: Once your application has been submitted, our enrollment coach will reach out to you acknowledging receipt of the application and will share next steps in the process.
- Step 4 (in-person program only): At the time of acceptance to the program, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $1,000 and a non-refundable, non-transferable $125 certificate fee are due. The balance of your tuition is due prior to the first day of the program, though a payment plan option is available.
- Step 5 (online program only): Upon acceptance into the online program, you will be sent an enrollment link for the first course, Wort Production and Raw Ingredients.
In-person Program Schedule
March 10, 2025 - June 20, 2025
The Master Brewers Certificate Program is a full-time program and meets Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the duration of 15 weeks.
Classes are held in a classroom facility located at Sudwerk Brewing Company in Davis, Calif. While this world-class microbrewery is not a formal teaching facility, it does allow students the opportunity to observe brewing and packaging operations on Sudwerk’s 65-barrel Steinecker system as part of the curriculum. Students will also get hands-on training at UC Davis' state-of-the-art Anheuser Busch InBev Pilot Brewery. This 1.5-barrell brewhouse has access to steam, CO2, electrical, compressed air, deionized water, a refrigerated storage room, a mill room, a dry storage room and a small laboratory space.
Online Program Schedule
| Course 1: Wort Production and Raw Ingredients | Jan. 13 - Apr. 6, 2025 |
| Course 2: Beer Production and Microbiology | Apr. 14 - Jul. 6, 2025 |
| Course 3: Brewery Cellar and Lab Operations | Jul. 14 - Sep. 21, 2025 |
| Course 4: Brewery Engineering | Sep. 29 - Dec. 21, 2025 |
| Course 5: Beer Packaging | Jan. 12 - Mar. 22, 2026 |
| Course 6: Sensory Science of Beer | Mar. 30 - Jun. 7, 2026 |
| Course 7: Safety, Sustainability and Quality | Jun. 15 - Aug. 23, 2026 |
Course schedules subject to change.
Watch a Sample Lesson
Considering enrolling in the online version of the Master Brewers Certificate Program? Sign up for a free sample lesson.
Questions?
We're here to help. Contact our Enrollment Coach, Kristy Craig, if you would like to schedule an appointment. She can speak with you about our program, answer your questions and help ensure it's the right fit for your goals.