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.
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Whether you’re new to the industry or you’re a seasoned pro interested in taking your career to the next level, earning a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer can help you increase your business skills and your craft beer literacy.
About the Program
Craft beer is a community. The industry consists of craft beer professionals who are innovative, knowledgeable, and above all, passionate about giving their customers a first-class experience. If you’re interested in joining your local craft beer community, earning a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer from SDSU Global Campus can help you jumpstart your career in craft beer.
Level I: $2,406
Level II: $3,453
Estimated Cost
Textbooks not included
Level I: 6 Months
Level II: 1 Year
Completion Time
Hybrid
Course Format
Meet Your Instructors
Bill Sysak
Exploring Craft Beer
Co-Founder/CEO and Certified Cicerone®, Wild Barrel Brewing Co.
Dave Adams
Front of the House Management
VP of Hospitality and Certified Cicerone®, Green Flash Brewing
Susie Baggs
The Business of Distribution
Owner and founder of Brown Bag Beverage
Laurie Delk
Marketing Craft Beer
Local Beverage Director
Matthew Johnson
Brewery Start-Up I
CEO of San Diego Craft Consult
Candace Moon
Brewery Start-Up II
Founder, The Craft Beer Attorney APC
Jake Nunes
Beer Styles II
Beverage Coordinator, and Certified Cicerone®, at Burgeon Beer Co.
Michael Peacock
Draught Systems I and II
Founder/Owner TapCraft
Ben Probe
Beer & Wine: Service & Selling
Server and Sommelier, and Certified Cicerone®, at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
George Thornton
Beer Styles I & Basics
Founder/owner and Certified Cicerone®, of The Homebrewer
Kate Zittere
Finance
CFO, Coronado Brewing Co.
Launched in the fall of 2013 in response to the city's burgeoning craft beer industry, our craft beer certificate program reflects the explosive growth of the craft beer industry in San Diego — home to one of the top-10 craft beer markets in the United States. This program provides hands-on training for those looking to enter or who are already working in the brewing industry on the business side, rather than the brewing side of operations.
Meet Our Alumni
A graduate of the SDSU Business of Craft Beer program, Kevin has over 12 years of experience in the Bar/Restaurant industry, managing at Viejas Casino, the San Diego Airport working for HMS Host.
- Kevin Lewis, Head Brewer/Operations, Thr3e Punk Ales
All courses in the craft beer certificate program were developed with input from our extensive roster of craft beer instructors and advisory board members — a who's who of local craft-beer industry superstars. As a member of the program, you’ll have exclusive access to a network of instructors, alumni, and other local craft beer professionals who are involved in the program. And with over a dozen courses and two unique certificate tracks to choose from, you’ll be able to craft an academic experience that will match your unique career goals.
Apply for the Craft Beer Diversity Award
Created in partnership with Coronado Brewing Company, our new Craft Beer Diversity Award is designed to promote growth and diversity in San Diego’s craft beer workforce.
Sign Up for the AIWF Scholarship Award
SDSU Global Campus is excited to partner with the American Institute of Wine & Food to offer the AIWF Scholarship Award! This award applies to several of our craft beer sensory courses for the 2023 academic year. Applications are due Oct. 1, so don't wait - submit yours today!
Is This Program Right for Me?
SDSU Alumni Lifetime Member Discount
Are you an SDSU Alumni Lifetime Member? Click here to learn more about how you can receive 20% off registration for this program.
Program Alumni Discount
If you’ve already completed your Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer, you’re eligible to enroll in additional courses at a 10% discount. Please email registration at enrollment.global@sdsu.edu or call 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.
Earning a Professional Certificate in the Business Craft Beer is ideal for those who wish to build careers outside of brewing. The coursework will prepare you for employment in both Front of House and Back of House operations. Graduates have used the program to succeed in high-level positions with some of the top names in craft beer. Some have even started their own local craft beer businesses.
Possible Job Titles:
- Business Owner
- Bartender or Server
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Beverage Distributor
- Hospitality Specialist
SDSU is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may be eligible to receive full or partial tuition assistance on this program. Equal Opportunity is the Law. Equal opportunity employer/program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.
What Can I Learn?
SDSU’s Craft Beer Certificate program combines sensory and non-sensory courses, giving you a well-rounded education in craft beer. The sensory courses involve tasting beer that accompanies lecture, readings, and select off-site sessions at local breweries for practical hands-on learning. Non-sensory courses focus on the business side of the craft beer industry, such as finances, marketing, distribution, sales, and customer relations.
Meet Our Alumni
Born and raised in San Diego and a recent graduate of the SDSU Business of Craft Beer Program. Steve is responsible for Thr3e Punk Ales financial planning, capital financing as well as building the Thr3e Punk Ales brand via social media and other marketing channels.
- Steve Garcia, Sales & Development, Thr3e Punk Ales
You’ll also have the opportunity to take the Cicerone® Certified Beer Server Exam at a discounted rate of $29 when you complete CB 0001 — Exploring Craft Beer. The exam is offered 3 times per year.
Craft Beer Program Highlights
- 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 outside of brewing
- 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 craft beer community
- Provides professional development and increases craft beer knowledge for current hospitality industry employees
You’ll also have your choice of two different Craft Beer Certificate tracks:
- Level I (Essential Certificate) – This foundational certificate program is designed to be completed in six months. You’ll need to successfully complete six courses. Exploring Craft Beer is recommended as the first course in the series and is required for the certificate.
- Level II (Expanded Certificate) – This advanced certificate program is designed to be completed in one year. You’ll need to successfully complete nine classes (Level I + three courses).
You’ll have up to two years from starting the Craft Beer Certificate program to complete either certificate.
You must be at least 21 years of age to register for courses in the craft beer certificate program.
Meet Our Alumni
I was a student in the first graduating class of the (Business of Craft Beer) program. All of the classes were essential to getting a solid foundation and understanding of beer, the business of craft beer, the history of beer and how it should be considered a food, especially in our restaurant. I really appreciated the weekly beer tastings and style identifications as well as the pairing of food with beer."
- Michael Long, Head Owner, Black Gold Brewing Co.
Career Outcomes
Labor Analysis
Brewing Industry — Nationwide
121,548
Job postings in the last 12 months
26.8%
Projected job growth in the next 10 years
$69,525
Average salary of industry
$9.3 Billion
Total Statewide Economic Impact Of Beer Jobs
Source: Burning Glass/Emsi, CA EDD 2022
Why Should You Choose Us?
Reputation
Your instructors are local craft beer experts who work with some of San Diego’s most popular breweries and craft beer businesses, including Societe Brewing Co., The Homebrewer, Wild Barrel Brewing Co., Green Flash Brewing, and Coronado Brewing. Whether you’re interested in working as a server or a business owner, or somewhere in between, the connections you’ll make with your instructors will help you succeed in the craft beer industry.
Versatility
Your Craft Beer Business Certificate will help you launch or enhance your career in a variety of positions within and outside of the craft beer industry. Some graduates acquire FOH positions as servers, tour guides, beertenders, and customer experience managers. Others find a home in operations, holding positions in marketing, distribution, brand management, and sales. Whatever your career goals are, earning your Craft Beer Certificate from SDSU can help you succeed.
Community
You’re not just earning a certificate. You’re joining a close-knit academic community of passionate learners. You’ll have access to a robust network of expert instructors and fellow classmates who are just as passionate about craft beer as you are.
Meet Our Alumni
It started when law graduate Ravi Inder Singh saw a huge potential for craft beers in India and with a great passion, he decided to pursue 'The Business of Craft Beers' all the way from San Diego State University, California."
- Ravi Singh, Owner, Aquarian Bev
Want To Learn More?
Tell us who you are, the best way to reach you, and your message and we'll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process.