Launched in the fall of 2013 in response to the city's burgeoning craft beer industry, San Diego State University's Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer program reflects the explosive growth of the craft beer industry in San Diego — which ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. The program provides hands-on training for those looking to enter or already working in the brewing industry on the business side, rather than the brewing side of operations. This includes creating passionately knowledgeable management and staff in the hospitality industry to give customers a first-class experience.
Learn about the Business of Craft Beer, Business of Wine, and Meeting and Event Planning Professional Certificate Programs
Join us for a fun gathering at North Park Beer Co. to meet instructors and current students in our top three hospitality programs.
Get a preview of Spring 2019 courses, ask questions, enjoy no-host libations, and win raffle prizes.
SDSU Hospitality Programs Info Session
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7–9 pm
North Park Beer Co.
3038 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
Directions
RSVP today by using the form.
The program also supports the growth of the Cicerone® program by preparing students to pass first- and second-level certification. All courses were developed with input from the instructors and advisory board members – a who's who of local craft-beer industry superstars. The program's networking opportunities create a fast track for graduates to enter the industry. Classes are held on-site at local breweries and at SDSU.
Certificate Levels
Level I (Essential Certificate) – Successfully complete six courses. Exploring Craft Beer is recommended as the first course in the series and is required for the certificate.
Can be completed in one academic year.
Level II (Expanded Certificate) – Successfully complete nine classes (Level I + three courses).
Can be completed in 1.5 academic years.
Note: Students have up to two years from starting, to complete both certificates.
The SDSU Certificate
- Provides skills necessary to enter the budding craft beer industry
- Provides an interactive, hands-on learning experience with tastings and more
- Brings top leaders and industry experts together in the classroom
- Uncovers an overall appreciation of craft beer
- Explores craft beer’s past and present history, and current trends
- Promotes craft beer literacy for consumers and employees
- Educates future craft beer ambassadors
- Offers industry connections and networking opportunities within the San Diego beer community
- Provides professional development and increases craft beer knowledge for current hospitality industry employees
Students who complete the first course will be eligible to take the Cicerone© Certified Beer Server Exam at a discounted rate of $29.
| Courses (complete 6 for Level I, 9 for Level II) | Hours | Cost | Day | 18SU | 18FA | 19SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB 0001 Exploring Craft Beer | 18 | $349 | Tu | 8/21-10/9 | 1/8-2/12 | |
| CB 0002 Beer Styles I Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
24 | $449 | Th | 3/28-5/16 | ||
| CB 0003 Marketing Craft Beer | 18 | $349 | Th | 1/23-2/27 | ||
| CB 0004 Brewery Start-Up I | 18 | $349 | Th | 5/23-6/27 | ||
| CB 0005 Craft Beer and Food Pairing Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
18 | $449 | Th | 5/31-7/5 | ||
| CB 0006 Front of the House Management | 18 | $349 | Tu | 6/12-7/24 | ||
| CB 0007 Beer Styles II Prerequisite: CB 0001 and CB002 |
21 | $439 | Th | 7/19-8/30 | ||
| CB 0008 Brewery Start-Up II: The Business Plan Prerequisite: CB 0004 |
18 | $349 | Th | 10/18-11/29 | ||
| CB 0009 The Business of Distribution | 9 | $279 | Th | 9/6-9/20 | ||
| CB 00010 Brewing Basics Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
15 | $299 | Tu | 2/19-3/19 | ||
| CB 00011 Draught Systems Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
18 | $349 | M | 10/15-11/19 | 3/26-4/30 | |
| CB 00012 Beer and Wine: Service and Selling | 9 | $279 | Th | 9/27-10/11 | ||
| CB 00013 Finance | 15 | $299 | Tu | 10/30-12/4 | ||
| CB 00017 Draught Systems II Prerequisite: CB 0001 and CB 011 |
18 | $349 | Tu | 5/7-6/11 |
*Dates subject to change
Enrolling in the Program
Enroll in the program at any time, even before registering for a course. It’s free, and offers many benefits:
- Secure your curriculum (should the requirements change in the future).
- See upcoming courses when you log into your student account.
- Track your progress.
Enrolling in a program doesn’t mean you’re registered for courses. You still must register and pay for each course you wish to take.
Discounts
SDSU Alumni are eligibile to receive 10% off the regular registration fee. Please call registration at (619) 594-5152 to apply the SDSU alumni discount.
Students who have completed six courses are elgibile to enroll in addtional courses at a discount. Please call registration at (619) 594-5152 to apply a program alumni discount for 10% off the registration fee. Discounts are not retroactive and cannot be combined. Only one discount can be applied.
Must be at least 21 years of age to register for this program. No more than one absence will be allowed in each course.
For additional information, please email craftbeer.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-3946.
Are you interested in teaching or hosting a course?
If you are interested in teaching courses for the Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer or hosting a course at your facility, please contact craftbeer.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-1138.
Program Sponsors
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SDSU Research Foundation Program