Craft Brewing Education
Craft Brewing Education at the University of Richmond
The University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies offers online Craft Brewing programs for anyone interested in entering or advancing in the craft brewing industry, from an introductory course in craft brewing to learning how to start a brewing business.
Courses
Introduction to Craft Brewing
This 10-week online course provides an overview of current and historical beer styles. It guides students through using each of the four primary ingredients (malt, water, hops and yeast) used to produce classic styles and create innovative new products. Additionally, students will learn about the equipment a brewmaster uses and how it plays a role in producing multiple styles, along with how to develop and write beer recipes.
Modules
- Intro to Popular Beer Styles
- Intro to Brewing Technology
- Essential Ingredients
- Intro to Recipe Development
Brewing Science & Process
This 10-week online course provides an overview of brewing craft beer from wort production through fermentation. Other topics include brewery safety and sanitation, incorporating quality assurance to brew consistently from batch to batch, and an overview of brewery operations, including production planning and sourcing raw materials.
Modules
- Craft Brewing Technology & Process
- Equipment, Packaging & Distribution
- Intro to Safety & Sanitation
- Intro to Quality Assurance
- Intro to Fermentation Science
- Intro to Brewery Operations
Business of Craft Brewing
This 10-week online course provides an in-depth exploration of the business side of launching a brewery. Topics covered include selecting the right brewery model, developing strategic sales and marketing plans, navigating regulatory and taxation requirements, and understanding the financial planning and projection process for launching a new craft brewery.
Modules
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Business Operations
- Marketing
- Sales Planning
Learn More
Complete our inquiry form to request additional information.
Beer Brewer Professional Certificate
Completing both Introduction to Craft Brewing and Brewing Science and Process earns a professional certificate in beer brewing.
Intro to Craft Brewing
Online • 10 weeks • 4 modules • 30 hours
Brewing Science & Process
Online • 10 weeks • 6 modules • 30 hours
Costs
We’ve worked to make our Craft Brewing classes affordable and accessible. Each course costs $1,299 ($1,399 for Business of Craft Brewing), enabling you to earn the Professional Certificate for $2,600 while splitting the certificate cost into two payments. Once you earn the Professional Certificate, you’ll be eligible for a 15% discount on the Business of Craft Brewing course. And most classes offer an early registration discount.
Format
You can complete any of our courses online via Zoom. Classes are held one evening each week, from 6-9 p.m. ET in the U.S. All you need is a broadband internet connection, an internet-connected device (like a laptop or tablet) with camera, microphone, and speaker, along with the free Zoom app. No need to come to a campus or brewery — learn from the comfort of your own space.
Instructors
Instruction is completed by a team of instructors with specialized knowledge and experience in specific modules. Our Malt class is taught by the owner of Virginia’s only specifically-designed craft malting facility. The Brewing Technology module is led by a head brewer. Other instructors are brewery owners and operators along with consultants and other specialists that support the craft brewing industry. Some of our instructors are also alumni of our brewing programs.
Industry
The craft brewing industry is valued at over $30 billion in the U.S. with nearly 10,000 active craft breweries. The industry as a whole contributed $71 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, employing nearly 190,000 in brewpubs and breweries. As the number of breweries increases, so does the number of jobs in the craft brewing industry. In the U.S., the number of craft brewing jobs has increased 49% in the years from 2018 to 2024.