Brewing schools !

[Klamer1]

So I am looking for schools that offer becoming a brew master. Schools that will teach you everything you need to know about brewing beer. I'm looking for schools in the US, doesn't really matter where. I just want the best education and the most hands on.

Thanks

 

[BigFloppy]

The school of hard knocks and this forum are likely as good as a formal education... start brewing before you even think about going to school, it's fun and educational

 

[motobrewer]

US Davis has a brewing program.

Siebel Institute.

 

[Klamer1]

I have been brewing, would love to further my education in it though. And as for the google it guy, I have googled and done a lot of research, I just would like to ask other brewers their opinions and where I should go or do.

Thanks for all your help you two.

 

[Hello]

You should research all programs and see what they have to offer. UC Davis, App State has a Fermenting Sciences program, Siebel, etc. I think they're all going to vary in coursework.

What you want to see if what will give you a formal education with a practical education. How much hands on is there? What's your goal in life? No brewery is going to hire you just because of your degree, if they do, they're likely new and lacking general knowledge. In addition to your coursework, attempt to work at a brewery as an assistant. Start building your resume so you can at least get a job that helps pay for school.

You will also find that the number of head brewers with a degree in anything relating to brewing is very low. Mostly because these programs did not exist until fairly recently, but also because based on the jobs I've seen posted, the degree is not required. So again, check the programs, know your ultimate goal, and choose based on that.

 

[aprichman]

I'm studying fermentation science at Oregon State University. When I graduate next year I'll have a B.S. in food science & technology. My degree is VERY HEAVY in science which may pose difficultly to many students. Basically, I'm taking the same general science courses (i.e. gen chem, organic chem, gen physics, gen biology, microbiology, analytical chem, calculus, etc.) as a premed student. So basically, more of a "beer science" degree than a "brewmaster" certificate.

 

[nmb225]

I'd second this. My school (Penn st) was big into food sciences and particularly ice cream..taught ben & jerry, actually. If I were you, I'd focus on general food sciences to keep your options open, and brew thru trial and error in your apartment/home.

I'm studying fermentation science at Oregon State University. When I graduate next year I'll have a B.S. in food science & technology. My degree is VERY HEAVY in science which may pose difficultly to many students. Basically, I'm taking the same general science courses (i.e. gen chem, organic chem, gen physics, gen biology, microbiology, analytical chem, calculus, etc.) as a premed student. So basically, more of a "beer science" degree than a "brewmaster" certificate.

 

[madscientist451]

Depends what your goals are. If you have a few years of homebrewing and take the Siebol course and do an internship you can probably get an entry level job. It will be up to you to move on from there.
I think it might be better to get a bottling line or other entry level job and then decide if its what you really want and then go to Siebol.

 

[bfish]

South College has an associate degrees from both the Knoxville and Asheville campuses.

 

[AK7007]

I go to school at Davis - the program here seems to be what you decide to make of it. I've seen masters students in the brewing program here do interesting research, and I've seen them graduate as glorified brewing technicians. They get coursework and practical training. Most all get jobs, but supposedly there is a waiting list a mile long to get in and Charlie Bamforth isn't going to be around much longer. When he spoke at a microbiology homebrew club meeting I was at in June he was talking about retiring in a couple years but wasn't sure.

The real shame is that the number of people researching beer is dwindling, which means that in the future I don't know who is going to be truly qualified to run a program like this.

 

[ol-hazza]

I heard from a Pro in Australia that you are more likely to become a brewer with a forklift license than a brewing degree.

He was a typical Aussie so probably more having a laugh than being serious but I bet there is some truth in the statement.

 

[feinbera]

Think I'm in your same boat, Klamer, already in another field and looking to get into brewing.

Far as I know, Davis and Siebel are the only two stateside programs for folks who aren't willing or able to go back for a full four years to get a bachelor's in fermentation science – but if anybody knows of others, please please correct me, I'd love to know!

I was also lucky enough to have the head brewer at one of the bigger breweries in my area speak to me frankly about what it really takes to work your way up in the field (rather than just chucking my resume for a job I had no chance in heck of landing in the trash) – basically, he said everybody starts out at the bottom, packaging line or washing kegs or somesuch, and works their way up, and even folks with degrees will have trouble landing any kind of brewing position without having put in at least some time in a working brewery.

My plan is to try and land an entry-level gig while slowly knocking out the prerequisites for the Davis program at night, so that I'll have years of real-world experience under my belt by the time I meet the requirements and clear the waitlist. I'll let y'all know how it works out in six or seven years...

 

[ultra_cas]

Don't know anything about their program, I only know that they have a program. Located in VT.

http://www.abgbrew.com/index.php/programs#.Vc4gffl3nng

 

[JustBob]

You may have already seen these in your research but if not they list out a few schools without necessarily rating them:

http://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com...uide-brewers-craft-brewing-brewery-ownership/

http://www.probrewer.com/library/archives/how-to-go-pro-in-the-beer-biz/

I think UC Davis and Seibel are the most rigorous from what I have read. That said I am targeting the American Brewers Guild Brewing School. It works for me because its mostly distance learning for 22 weeks then an intensive week in their school brewery. The regular program also has an automatic internship with one of their brewery partners but that program is in high demand and they are booked until 2017 already. I am choosing the future brewery option because it gets me in the program in January 2016 but it has not apprenticeship portion. My intention is to open my own Micro with Tap room.

My friend (also a home brewer) asked me what I expect to learn there that I didn't already know. I hope a lot. Certainly though I expect even though its not a degreed program like UC Davis it will strengthen my probability for success and help my business plan pitches.

 

[jwalk4]

When I was studying in the UK, I visited the Adnams brewery in Southwold (they make great beers).

When I told them I am from Canada, they said that they poach their brewers from the Niagara College program.