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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.
The Brewing & Fermentation Science program will welcome its last cohort in August of 2026. If you wish to pursue a career in brewing, apply today to be a part of this industry-recognized program.
Have questions?
Meet with Master Brewer Tim Yarrington virtually to discuss the ins and outs of the brewing program.
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 →
Courses
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
2
Semesters
12
Courses
37
Credits
- Legend# Credits
- Program-specific courses
- General courses
Fall 2026
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 1
- 3
- 3
6 courses 19 credits
50% program-specific courses
Spring 2027
- 5
- 3
- 3
- 3
- 3
- 1
6 courses 18 credits
100% program-specific courses
Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring or summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.
Curriculum Notes
- Students are encouraged to complete English and mathematics coursework prior to the fall semester.
Careers
- Brewer
- Cellarperson
- Packaging technician
- Procurement/Inventory manager
Small Classes = Big Advantage
100%
Overall Placement
Craft Beer is a $22.2 Billion 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.
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.
Personal Tour
Request your very own personal tour. This option includes a tour of your academic program, a meeting with an admissions counselor, and a campus & housing tour.
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 350+ Penn College scholarships.
As a Brewing & Fermentation Science student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 109 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.
Required Laptop Computer
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
- Unless otherwise specified by your major, MacBooks and other Apple products are not recommended for coursework.
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor (recommended).
- ARM based processors are not recommended.
- 16+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- The laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- The laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Extended support agreement, including accidental damage protection (recommended).
- Power bank suitable for your laptop (recommended).
Students must be at least 21 years of age before starting the one-year certificate. 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. If students are not transferring in English and mathematics credits, they are encouraged to complete this coursework 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.
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.
Brewing and Fermentation Science Advisory Committee Members
Mr. John J Callahan
PA Brewing Manager
D.G. Yuengling
Mr. Andrew D Glass
Brewing Supervisor
The Boston Beer Company
Mr. Christopher P Good
Head Brewer
Happy Valley Brewing Company
Ms Joanne Hopkins, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Generalist
Victory Brewing Company
Mr. Adam Roskowski
Entrepreneur/Business Leader
Rosko's Brew House
Instructor, Brewing and Fermentation Science
Contact Information
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