Brewing & Fermentation Science

Certificate

When you pair your passion for craft beer with a certificate in Brewing & Fermentation from Penn College, you’ll learn the scientific and technical skills to tap into a rewarding career in this thriving field. Designed by an industry leading brewer with 20+ years of expertise, the innovative Brewing & Fermentation Science curriculum encompasses everything from raw material acquisition and packaging to the final pour.

brewing student

Courses

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.

Detailed Major Requirements

Careers

  • Brewer
  • Cellarperson
  • Packaging technician
  • Procurement/Inventory manager

Small Classes = Big Advantage

100%

Overall Placement

Craft Beer is a $22.2 Billion Industry

Facilities

Penn College brewing students train on an Ss Brewtech brewing system, gaining hands‑on experience with professional‑grade equipment.

Ss Brewtech System

With a 1 bbl (barrel unit) brewhouse system, four 1 bbl unitank units, and a 3/4-horsepower glycol chiller, you'll learn procedures and functions found in many commercial breweries. Features of this system include carbonation stones, sanitary fitting and sample ports, pressure rated to 15psi, racking arm and substantial cooling capacity.

Penn College students work in the Fermentation Facility, gaining hands‑on experience with brewing and fermentation processes using professional equipment.

Fermentation Facility

Outfitted with equipment just like the pros use, our lab is designed to deliver hands-on experience in fermentation, aging, conditioning, and draft packaging.

Students learn to operate beverage dispense equipment in Penn College’s fermentation and brewing facility, gaining experience with industry‑standard systems.

Dispense Equipment

A lot goes into the craft of brewing before it reaches the glass. But it doesn’t end there. We also have the equipment to perfect dispensing, operation, and maintenance.

Quality control tools used by students in Penn College’s fermentation facility to analyze and monitor brewing and fermentation processes.

Quality Control Tools

Assess raw material and final product quality with the help of industry-standard equipment.

Scholarships

Check out some of the current scholarship opportunities: Clark Associates Scholarship, Daniel J. Doyle Scholarship or Dr. Peter B. Dumanis Memorial Scholarship. And don't forget to take a look the 400+ Penn College scholarships.

As a student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 110 scholarships.

3 Program-related scholarships

107 Additional scholarships

Explore scholarships

Penn College News: Real World Ready

May grad’s capstone beer debuts at local brewery

June 26, 2025

Beginning this week, the capstone beer of a May brewing & fermentation science grad is on tap at Jackass Brewing Co.’s two locations (Williamsport and…

Cheers to Spring Break!

March 06, 2025

A faculty-alumni collaboration is resulting in a new brew to be released next week during Spring Break. Penn College brewing & fermentation science grad Devin…

Alumna wins medals at Denver International Beer Competition

January 24, 2025

A brewer who graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing & fermentation science major in 2024 has captured two medals in the prestigious Denver…

Brewing reps cheer summertime in Selinsgrove

July 25, 2024

Representatives from Penn College’s brewing & fermentation science major were among those cheering summertime at the Selinsgrove Brewfest, held July 20 near…

Brewing offers refreshing capstone tasting session

May 21, 2024

A new “ingredient” was added to the brewing & fermentation science capstone with the addition of an informal tasting session in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant and the…

'Meet the Brew Masters' curates delicious benefit

February 19, 2024

The delicious duo of beer and food was explored at the first “Cooking with Class: Meet the Brew Masters” event, held recently in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant on…

Brewing capstones replicate industry R&D

January 30, 2024

Follow along with brewing & fermentation science students at Pennsylvania College of Technology as they embark on capstone projects that give them opportunities…

'Science & Brewing'

November 28, 2023

In this episode of Penn College's Tomorrow Makers podcast, the ninth since the feature launched in early September, you'll meet Justin M. Ingram, associate…

Brewing instructor speaks at Homebrew Con in California

July 20, 2023

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing and fermentation science instructor, Timothy L. Yarrington, spoke at Homebrew Con, the nation’s largest annual…

Brewing degree lays foundation for career success

July 06, 2023

Meet the talented brewers behind some of America's most popular craft beers. Learn how these Penn College graduates made names for themselves at Victory Brewing…

Learn From Experts

Hear more about this program from expert brewer Tim Yarrington, industry professionals, and students.

Brewing with Tim

Think a career in brewing might be your calling? In this video, you’ll meet brewmaster and lead faculty member Tim Yarrington. Get an inside look at the new one-year accelerated Brewing & Fermentation Science program. And explore the value and competitive edge that comes with a formal brewing education.

Brewing is a serious career

Take a detailed look inside the Brewing & Fermentation Program. Hear directly from students. And learn how this science-based program stands apart.

Q & A with Tim

Tim has been in the craft beer industry for 20+ years. And he's here with answers and insight to some of the most common questions he gets asked about beer and the brewing industry.

People: Meet the Makers

Employer Testimonials

Sean Hamilton

Sean Hamilton, '19

"Sean's knowledge base grew tremendously from the time he interned with us, especially his ability to analyze and help us manage our yeast strains. It was clear to me that the curriculum at Penn College is well thought out and the professors are very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend anyone interested in getting into the industry to consider this program!" 

Jason Crossett, Director of Brewing Operations
New York Beer Project

Mark Kitchen

Mark Kitchen, '19

“We at New Trail believe that Mark is an excellent candidate and team member for us because of the guidance and foundation that was laid for him by his education from Tim Yarrington and the PCT program. We couldn't be happier with Mark's progression within our company and are excited to see his future with us.”

Mike LaRosa, Director of Brewing Operations
New Trail Brewing Co

Industry Partners: Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

Internship: Your knowledge in practice

Our hands-on approach to education means learning through doing. A required internship rounds out the Brewing & Fermentation curriculum, allowing students to expand their knowledge base from raw material acquisition to packaging and dispense.

Learn More
Our hands-on approach to education means learning through doing. A required internship rounds out the Brewing & Fermentation curriculum, allowing students to expand their knowledge base from raw material acquisition to packaging and dispense.

Student Life: Lead and put your skills to the test

Penn College Student Government Association members gather to represent student leadership and campus involvement.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Let your voice be heard! Attend the next meeting to learn what’s new or consider running for a senate seat. 

Learn More
Group of Penn College students standing together in a campus setting, representing student activities and organizations.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved
Penn College students pose in front of historic Italian architecture while participating in a study abroad program.

Study Abroad: Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

Learn More

Student Experience: The community as their classroom

Penn College graduate Chris turned a passion for home brewing into a career, earning a degree in Brewing and Fermentation Science and landing his dream job as a head brewer in State College.

Magazine features member of brewing major’s inaugural class

Chris dabbled in home brewing. Worked as an assistant at a popular local brewery. Now he holds a degree in Brewing and Fermentation Science from Penn College and landed his dream job as header brewer in a State College hotspot.

Meet Chris