Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person components of this program have either been paused, rescheduled, or moved into a virtual format until further notice.
Please contact specific contact information to learn how these changes affect your program. SDSU will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of our local and federal health agencies.
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.
Estimated Cost
Completion Time
Course FormatStudent Discounts
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 ces.registrar@sdsu.edu or call to apply a program alumni discount for 10% off the registration fee.
If you're an SDSU Alumni lifetime member, you're eligible for a 20% discount on registration for this program. Click here to learn more.
Discounts are not retroactive and cannot be combined. Only one discount can be applied.
The craft beer certificate 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 craft beer industry. Courses are held on-site at local breweries and at SDSU.
Craft Beer 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.
Level II (Expanded Certificate) – Successfully complete nine classes (Level I + three courses).
Note: Students have up to two years from starting, to complete both certificates.
The Craft Beer 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 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
Students who complete CB 0001 - Exploring Craft Beer will be eligible to take the Cicerone© Certified Beer Server Exam at a discounted rate of $29. The exam is offered 3 times per year. Please connect with staff for further information.
Note to Potential Students
Some of our sensory courses require that you sample different types of beers, which SDSU Global Campus will provide via mail or pick up at a location TBD. At this time, we can only ship beer within the State of California. If you reside outside of California, please ensure that your course doesn't contain a hands-on sensory component.
"OL" indicates Online Course
| Courses (complete 6 for Level I, 9 for Level II) | Cost | Day | 20SU | 20FA | 21SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB 0001 Exploring Craft Beer | $349 | OL | 10/13-11/17 | ✔ | |
| CB 0002 Beer Styles I Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
$449 | ||||
| CB 0003 Marketing Craft Beer Online | $349 | OL | 9/1-10/6 | ||
| CB 0004 Brewery Start-Up I | $349 | OL | 7/9-8/13 | ||
| CB 0005 Craft Beer and Food Pairing Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
$449 | ||||
| CB 0006 Hospitality Management | $349 | ||||
| CB 0007 Beer Styles II Prerequisite: CB 0001 and CB002 |
$439 | ||||
| CB 0008 Brewery Start-Up II: The Business Plan Prerequisite: CB 0004 |
$349 | ||||
| CB 0009 The Business of Distribution | $279 | OL | 6/23-7/7 | ||
| CB 0010 Brewing Basics Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
$299 | ||||
| CB 0011 Draught Systems Prerequisite: CB 0001 |
$349 | ||||
| CB 0012 Beer and Wine: Service and Selling | $279 | ||||
| CB 0013 Finance | $299 | OL | 10/5-11/2 | ||
| CB 0018 Draught Systems II Prerequisite: CB 0001 and CB 011 |
$349 | ||||
| CB Chemistry of Beer & Wine - NEW | $449 |
*Dates subject to change.
Labor Analysis
Brewing Industry — Nationwide
Job Postings
Last 12 months
3,500
Projected Growth
Over 10 years
+14%
Salary Range
Average
$40,000-$80,000
Enrolling in the Craft Beer Certificate 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.
Student Stories
Kevin Lewis
Head Brewer/Operations, Thr3e Punk Ales
"A graduate of the SDSU Business of Craft Beer Program, Kevin has over 12 years' experience in the Bar/Restaurant industry, managing at Viejas Casino, the San Diego Airport working for HMS Host."
Steve Garcia
Sales & Development, Thr3e Punk Ales
"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."
Michael Long
Head Owner, Black Gold Brewing Co.
"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."
Ravi Singh
Owner, Aquarian Bev
"It started up 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."
Must be at least 21 years of age to register for the craft beer certificate program. No more than one absence will be allowed in each course.
For additional information, please email craftbeer.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-1188.
SDSU Research Foundation Program
SDSU Global Campus is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Investment Act for this program.