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Cheers to Your Future!
Take a more detailed look inside the Brewing & Fermentation Program. Hear directly from students. And learn how this science-based program stands apart.
Brewing & Fermentation Science
Certificate
About this program
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2021.
Confucius was right when he said, “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.” 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.
Check out current scholarship opportunities: Yuengling's Diversity in Brewing Scholarship, Melvin Brewing Scholarship or Dr. Peter B. Dumanis Memorial Scholarship. And don't forget to take a look the 300+ Penn College scholarships.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Essentials of Brewing Science (BRW100)
- Introduction to Brewing, Fermentation, and Distilling (BRW102)
- Principles of Brewing Science (BRW103)
- Operations in Brewing Science I (BRW203)
- Operations in Brew Science II (BRW204)
- Sensory Evaluation and Analysis of Beer (BRW270)
- Modern Topics in Zymurgy (BRW275)
- Brewing Technology (BRW250)
- Brewing and Fermentation Science Capstone (BRW280)
- Brewing and Fermentation Science Internship (BRW269)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Learn From Experts
Meet Tim Yarrington
He’s won multiple metals including a gold at the renowned Great American Beer Festival in Denver. He also built a brewery in Times Square. Today, you’ll find him sharing his knowledge with aspiring brewers.
Brewing is a serious career
Tim gives you an inside look at the new one-year Brewing & Fermentation Science program, and discusses the value and competitive edge that comes with a formal brewing education.
Student Experience
"Learning where every little bit comes from and how everything is done is amazing to me. I want to go to work every day and do this. I want to come to classes to learn this."
William Ernst-Wingfield
Brewing & Fermentation Science
Employer Testimonial
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
Employer Testimonial
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
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
Jun 2
Brewing & Fermentation Science Visit Day
Wednesday, June 29:00 AM - 1:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jun 26
Brewing & Fermentation Science Visit Day
Saturday, June 2610:00 AM - 2:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 14
Brewing & Fermentation Science Visit Day
Wednesday, July 1411:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 31
Brewing & Fermentation Science Visit Day
Saturday, July 3111:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Upcoming Events
Explore Penn College
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.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
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.
News
04.29.2021
Industry insight infuses student brewers’ craft
Seven students enrolled in Penn College’s brewing and fermentation science certificate presented their beers to a panel of ...
04.03.2021
Instructor featured in Inquirer’s focus on fruit-laced beers
An article in Saturday’s editions of The Philadelphia Inquirer, headlined “Fruit beers tapping into the Philly ...
02.17.2021
Master Brewers Association recognizes Penn College certificate
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing and fermentation science certificate has received notice that it has been ...
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.
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.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
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.
More Information
Students must be at least 21 years of age before starting the one-year certificate. BRW100 must be satisfied before any subsequent BRW courses can be taken. A fall semester start may be possible for students who have prior coursework that is equivalent to the BRW100 requirement. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the Admissions Office who will connect students with the appropriate faculty member in the program to discuss their academic history and options. Students are encouraged to complete ENL 111 and the mathematics course prior to the fall semester.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
BRW100, which is a pre-requisite for subsequent BRW courses, may be satisfied through a combination of previously completed coursework across a few scientific fields. This determination will be made through the transfer evaluation process, in consultation with program faculty.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page in our Course Catalog for general requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
- Mr. Scott J Britton, Senior Scientist (Global), Duvel Moortgat Group
- Mr. John J Callahan, PA Brewing Manager, D.G. Yuengling
- Mr. David Cohen, Senior Manager of Brewing Ingredients, Boston Beer Company
- Mr. Andrew D Glass, Brewing Supervisor, The Boston Beer Company
- Mr. Christopher P Good, '19, Head Brewer, Happy Valley Brewing Company
- Ms Joanne Hopkins, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Generalist, Victory Brewing Company
- Mr. Jared Hunt, '11, Operations Director, Rusty Rail Brewing Co.
- Mr. Jaime Jurado, Director of Brewing Operations, Abita Brewing Company