Best institutions to study Brewing Science
A program that focuses on the business, science, and technology of beer brewing operations.
19 U.S. institutions graduated 113 Brewing Science students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 01.1003, a specialization of Food Science and Technology (CIP 01.10), and leads most directly to the Food Science Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 19-4013).
About Brewing Science programs
A program that focuses on the business, science, and technology of beer brewing operations. Includes instruction in biology, biochemistry, brewing, entrepreneurship, fermentation, malting, marketing, microbiology, quality control, and sanitation.
See also: 52.0910 - Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Brewing Science program, part of the Food Science and Technology field, focuses on the intricate business, science, and technology behind beer brewing operations. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the brewing industry, offering a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge essential for success in this growing field.
Students will gain foundational skills in biology, biochemistry, fermentation, microbiology, and quality control. Coursework often includes sustainable brewing practices and covers essential topics such as marketing and entrepreneurship, equipping graduates with the necessary tools to thrive in the brewing industry.
Credentials awarded
What Brewing Science graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year64 graduates / yr · 13 institutions57%
- Associate's degree22 graduates / yr · 4 institutions20%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years12 graduates / yr · 4 institutions11%
- Bachelor's degree8 graduates / yr · 1 institution7.1%
- Master's degree7 graduates / yr · 1 institution6.2%
Graduates over time
Brewing Science completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 50 |
| 2021 | 79 |
| 2022 | 109 |
| 2023 | 109 |
| 2024 | 117 |
| 2025 | 113 |
CIP 01.1003 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 19 institutions for Brewing Science, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 28 | 38% | — |
| 2 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 67% | — |
| 3 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 73% | $42,705 |
| 4 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicBachelor's | 8 | 67% | — |
| 5 | Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NYPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 32% | — |
| 6 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicMaster's | 7 | 82% | — |
| 7 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 61% | — |
| 8 | Regis University Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 61% | $22,407 |
| 9 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 16% | — |
| 10 | Bucks County Community College Newtown, PAPublicAssociate's | 4 | 32% | — |
| 11 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 53% | — |
| 12 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 53% | — |
| 13 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 31% | — |
| 14 | The University of Montana Missoula, MTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 48% | — |
| 15 | Kent State University at Ashtabula Ashtabula, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 25% | — |
| 16 | University of Northern Colorado Greeley, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 51% | — |
| 17 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 28% | — |
| 18 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 65% | — |
| 19 | University of Wisconsin - Superior Superior, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 42% | — |
Offered in 13 states
Where Brewing Science graduates come from. Each state links to all Food Science and Technology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 1 | 28 | Chattahoochee Technical College28 / yr |
| Colorado | 3 | 14 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins8 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 14 | Grand Valley State University13 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 11 | Sacred Heart University11 / yr |
| Ohio | 3 | 8 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College5 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 8 | Bucks County Community College4 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 8 | Schenectady County Community College8 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 7 | Auburn University7 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 5 | Northern Arizona University5 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 4 | East Tennessee State University4 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 3 | Central New Mexico Community College3 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 2 | The University of Montana2 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 1 | University of Wisconsin - Superior1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4013, Food Science Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Brewing Science program can pursue various careers, including roles as food science technicians and food scientists. The job outlook for related occupations is about as fast as average, with an anticipated growth rate of 4.8% and approximately 3,200 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $49,430, typically requiring an associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 01.1003
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Food Science Techniciansprimary SOC 19-4013 | $52,130 | +4.8% About as fast as average | ~3,200 | Associate's degree |
Food Batchmakers SOC 51-3092 | $42,290 | +6.9% Faster than average | ~24,200 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders SOC 51-9012 | $51,610 | -4.3% Decline | ~5,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Food Scientists and Technologists SOC 19-1012 | $88,720 | +6.5% Faster than average | ~1,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Brewing Science programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
Tools and technology used
Other Food Science and Technology specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Food Science and Technology (CIP 01.10).
- Food ScienceCIP 01.10011,565 graduates / yr65 institutions
- Viticulture and EnologyCIP 01.1004239 graduates / yr27 institutions
- Food Science and TechnologyCIP 01.1099126 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Zymology/CIP 01.1005
Fermentation Science partial data99 graduates / yr4 institutions - Food Technology and ProcessingCIP 01.100298 graduates / yr20 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Brewing Science?+
You can earn an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, an associate's degree, or an award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, active listening, writing, science, critical thinking, and monitoring.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a food science technician, food batchmaker, or in related roles within the brewing industry.
What is the job outlook for Brewing Science graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.8% and approximately 3,200 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Brewing Science?+
Brewing Science is CIP 01.1003 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Food Science and Technology (CIP 01.10). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the business, science, and technology of beer brewing operations. Includes instruction in biology, biochemistry, brewing, entrepreneurship, fermentation, malting, marketing, microbiology, quality control, and sanitation.
How many institutions offer Brewing Science programs?+
19 U.S. institutions reported Brewing Science graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states, awarding 113 credentials in the year. That is 5.0% of all Food Science and Technology graduates.
How much do Brewing Science graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Food Science Technicians occupation, which Brewing Science most directly leads to, pays a median of $52,130 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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