Discover the Art and Science of Brewing with UC Davis
Turn your passion for brewing into a distinguished career with UC Davis' Master Brewers Certificate Program – available in-person and online. This comprehensive program offers an in-depth exploration of brewing science and brewery engineering, equipping you with the expertise to excel in the dynamic brewing industry. From mastering the nuances of malting and fermentation to understanding the intricacies of fluid dynamics and heat transfer, our curriculum is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a leader in the brewhouse. Join a community of dedicated brewers and gain unparalleled insights that will set you apart in the brewing industry.
- Related article: How to Craft Your Career in the Brewing Industry
What You'll Learn
Whether you join our beer brewing classes online or in-person, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about:
- Grain handling, malting, malt analysis and their effects in brewing
- Brewhouse processes and the control of wort quality
- Yeast and fermentation processes and their effects on beer quality
- Finishing beer, sterilization of beer and packaging technology
- Flow of fluids in pipes and through pumps in a brewery setting
- Heat transfer and the effects of insulation and fouling on efficiency
- Theory and practice of carbonation, including mixed gas technology
- Theory and practice of refrigeration in the brewery
What You'll Get
Every brewer’s journey is unique, but our program will give you:
- The knowledge necessary to become a thoughtful, accomplished and professional brewer who is eagerly sought by employers in today’s brewing industry
- Flexibility to take this beer brewing program online or in person
- Industry recognition
- Access to some of the best brewing instructors in the world
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals in both the brewing and brewing supply industries
“Earning the Master Brewers certificate was my way into the industry.”
Two Options, One World-Class Education
Our Master Brewers Certificate program is available in two formats to meet the needs of today’s adult learner:
In-person Format
Immerse yourself in the craft of brewing with in this intensive, 15-week experience designed for those who want to take their skills to the next level. Based in Davis, California, this full-time, in-person program connects you with world-class faculty, industry experts, and passionate peers—all while providing hands-on training in a state-of-the-art brewing facility.
In-Class Learning
With classes running Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this immersive program is perfect for those who thrive in hands-on learning environments and are ready to turn their passion for brewing into a professional career.
A Hands-On Experience
Supplement your classroom training with hands-on lessons in the UC Davis Anheuser-Busch InBev Pilot Brewery. This cutting-edge 1.5-barrel brewhouse is equipped with modern brewing technology and an advanced lab where you'll gain practical experience using professional equipment. Beyond the classroom, you'll embark on exclusive field trips to renowned breweries and suppliers, and hear insider perspectives from industry veterans, giving you a 360-degree view of the brewing world.
New Payment Plan for the In-Person Master Brewers Program
Pay in three installments. Approved application required.
Online Format
Enjoy true flexibility without compromise; our online brewing program delivers the same rigorous curriculum as our in-person format, giving you access to expert instruction, industry-leading insights, and a career-advancing education.
No matter where you are on your brewing journey, this format empowers you to access a world-class education from wherever you are.
An Interactive Online Brewing Program
Through a blend of high-quality, pre-recorded lectures and scheduled live sessions, you’ll engage with world-class instructors and industry professionals while keeping your studies aligned with your personal and professional commitments. Interactive assignments, quizzes, and instructor office hours ensure you stay on track, with dedicated support at every step.
Learn On Your Own Schedule
Expect to spend 3-5 hours per week online, plus an additional 3-5 hours on readings and assignments. Each course spans 10-12 weeks, and the entire brewing program is designed to be completed in approximately 20 months, allowing you to master the craft of brewing at a pace that works for you. Your online brewing course can be paired with an optional, week-long brewing bootcamp at UC Davis’ state-of-the-art brewing facility.
New Payment Plan for the Online Master Brewer Certificate Program
Pay in three installments. Approved application is required.
New Payment Option for the Online Master Brewers Program
Pay for your Certificate Program in full and save 10%.
Cost Breakdown
In-Person Program
- Tuition: $16,000*
- Textbooks & materials: covered in cost of tuition
*Fees do not include room and board.
Online Program
- Tuition: $13,200
- Textbooks & materials: $1,400
- Week-long bootcamp (optional): $1,400*
- Total (w/out bootcamp): $14,600
- Total (w/bootcamp): $16,000
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Ensure you meet the prerequisites for the Master Brewers Certificate Program. While a degree is not required for acceptance to this program, college-level work in one math subject and two sciences is required for success in the program. All minimum prerequisites must be completed in advance of applying. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. Learn more about this program’s prerequisites.
- Step 2: Complete and submit the online application form. During this process, you will choose whether you wish to earn your brewing certificate online or in person, and provide your personal background information, résumé, transcripts and motivation for applying. Unofficial transcripts are accepted and must show completion of all prerequisites. You will also indicate how you learned about the program, if you are applying for the in-person option, you may complete an optional roommate questionnaire.
- Step 3: Once your application has been submitted, our enrollment coach will reach out to you acknowledging receipt of the application and will share the next steps in the process.
- Step 4 (in-person program): At the time of acceptance to our beer brewing program, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $1,000. The balance of your tuition is due prior to the first day of the program, though a payment plan option is available.
- Step 5 (online program): Once you are accepted, you will be sent an enrollment link for the first course: Wort Production and Raw Ingredients.
In-Person Program Schedule
March 9, 2026 - June 19, 2026
The Master Brewers Certificate Program is a full-time program and meets Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the duration of 15 weeks.
Classes are held in a classroom facility located at Sudwerk Brewing Company in Davis, Calif. While this world-class microbrewery is not a formal teaching facility, it does allow students the opportunity to observe brewing and packaging operations on Sudwerk’s 65-barrel Steinecker system as part of the curriculum. Students will also get hands-on training at UC Davis' state-of-the-art Anheuser Busch InBev Pilot Brewery. This 1.5-barrell brewhouse has access to steam, CO2, electrical, compressed air, deionized water, a refrigerated storage room, a mill room, a dry storage room and a small laboratory space.
Online Program Schedule
| Course # | Course Title | # of Weeks | Academic Units | Tuition | Course Start Date | Course End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Materials and Wort Production | 12 | 4 | $2,000 | 1/12/2026 | 4/5/2026 |
| 2 | Beer Production and Microbiology | 12 | 4 | $2,000 | 4/13/2026 | 7/5/2026 |
| 3 | Brewery Cellar and Lab Operations | 10 | 4 | $2,000 | 7/13/2026 | 9/20/2026 |
| 4 | Brewery Engineering | 12 | 4 | $2,000 | 9/28/2026 | 12/20/2026 |
| 5 | Beer Packaging | 10 | 3 | $1,800 | 1/11/2027 | 3/21/2027 |
| 6 | Sensory Science of Beer | 10 | 3 | $1,800 | 3/29/2027 | 6/6/2027 |
| 7 | Beer Quality, Safety, and Sustainability | 10 | 2 | $1,600 | 6/14/2027 | 8/22/2027 |
Watch a Sample Lesson
Why Pursue a Brewing Certificate at UC Davis?
Master Brewers Certificate Program