Beer Brewer Professional Certificate - Tidewater

ODU School of Continuing Education logo

The University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies and the Old Dominion University School of Continuing Education, in collaboration with the Coastal Virginia Brewing Alliance and other community partners in the Tidewater region, offers a beer brewer professional certificate for those interested in entering or advancing in the growing craft beer industry.

The certificate program guides students through the entire craft brewing business, from procuring high quality ingredients and raw materials through the proper handling, processing, packaging and distribution of the final product. The program highlights local, sustainable practices by partnering with Tidewater-area suppliers, breweries and distributors.

This program prepares students to enter the craft brewing business with both focused coursework and practical field experiences. Courses covers the history, practice, and secrets of beer brewing along with methods for distributing beer and managing a brewing business. Field experiences combine observation with intentional hands-on work in local breweries to understand and experience the beer brewing process.

Tidewater Cohort Details

  • The Tidewater program admits applicants into Fall and Spring cohorts annually.
  • Classes are offered in person on the Old Dominion University campus and at local breweries, with select sessions offered remotely.
  • Classes will be held on Monday evenings, meeting 6–9 p.m., barring unforeseen circumstances.
  • Field experience days may vary depending on availability.

Online Information Sessions

No events scheduled at this time.

Program Details

Expand All
  • Course of Study

    Students will take a series of courses divided into 11 modules and be engaged in 4 hands-on field experiences. The program’s curriculum combines lectures, group work, recipe development, and hands-on experiences. Based on feedback from current and former students, we’ve streamlined the program’s curriculum and focused on providing intentional, small-group, hands-on field experiences at local breweries.

    The 6-month program follows a predictable schedule.

    • One 3-hour class meeting per week on Monday evenings, divided into three sections
      • Introduction to Brewing (4 modules)
      • Brew Science & Brewery Processes (5 modules)
      • Brewing as a Business (2 modules)
    • Four 3-hour field experiences interspersed throughout the 6-month program
      • Beer brew day
      • Malting
      • Sales
      • Beer brew day

    Detailed class locations and schedules will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Coursework and field experiences total 75 hours.

    • Courses: 63 hours
    • Field Experience: 12 hours
  • Outcomes

    Students will complete the program with an overall understanding of the craft brewing business and will be prepared for entry-level and skilled brewery jobs. They will also be prepared to open their own brewing business.

    Students will use a brewing program notebook for recording notes, reflections, insights, ingredients, recipes and short essays throughout the program. Assignments will be used for reflective learning, and successful students who complete the program will be able to apply their reflections and insights in their brewing careers.

    In addition, students will earn 7.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for completing the program along with a Beer Brewer Professional Certificate from the University of Richmond.

  • Virginia Community Partnerships

    The Beer Brewer Professional Certificate program started in Richmond and is offered through the School of Professional & Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. We’ve entered into partnerships with breweries, communities and colleges around the state to offer the program outside Central Virginia.

    We’re proud to partner with these local organizations and breweries.