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Brewing & Fermentation Science
Certificate
About this program
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.
Join the Penn College Brewing Community 
Special Admissions Requirements
Students must be at least 21 years of age before starting the one-year certificate. Prospective students who will not be 21 years of age before their desired start date should contact the School of Business, Arts & Sciences to discuss their options. Read more about special admissions requirements →
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 350+ Penn College scholarships.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Careers
- Brewer
- Cellarperson
- Packaging technician
- Procurement/Inventory manager
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 & Distilling (BRW102)
- Principles of Brewing Science (BRW103)
- Operations in Brewing Science I (BRW203)
- Operations in Brewing Science II (BRW204)
- Sensory Evaluation & Analysis of Beer (BRW270)
- Modern Topics in Zymurgy (BRW275)
- Brewing Technology (BRW250)
- Brewing & Fermentation Science Capstone (BRW280)
- Brewing & 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
Hear more about this program from expert brewer Tim Yarrington, industry professionals, and students.
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.
Facilities
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.
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.
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
Assess raw material and final product quality with the help of industry-standard equipment.
Maker Profiles
Faculty
Tim Yarrington
Brewing & Fermentation Science
Tim is an award-winning brewer with a passion for sharing his knowledge with others.
Alumni
Chris Good
Brewing & Fermentation Science
Chris honed the skills to turn his hobby into a thriving career.
Student
Noah Schlesinger
Brewing & Fermentation Science
He turned his passion for craft beer into an exciting career.
Employer Testimonials
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, '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.
Sep 10
Open House
Saturday, September 108:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Sep 23
Open House
Friday, September 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Oct 9
Open House
Sunday, October 98:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Oct 28
Open House
Friday, October 288:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Nov 5
Open House
Saturday, November 58:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Nov 18
Open House
Friday, November 188:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
More tour dates are on the way.
But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
Need a different date?
Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400
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.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 60+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
News
05.11.2022
Connoisseurs find next generation of brewers – right under their noses
Assorted explorations in the science of brewing were eagerly appraised by industry experts last week in Pennsylvania College of ...
01.13.2022
PSU Extension webinar on hops to feature brewing instructor
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing and fermentation science instructor, Timothy L. Yarrington, will share his ...
12.02.2021
Grad personifies vital ingredient for brewing success: diversity
When Jenn Ulmer began her first week of full-time employment as a brewer at Berwick Brewing Co., Brienne Allen, a fellow female ...
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