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.
Fall Registration Available!
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.
Program Changes
Enroll now to ensure your spot in the final year of the Business of Craft Beer program. At the end of the spring 2025 semester, the certificate program will end.
All required and elective courses needed to complete the certificate program will be offered during the 2024-25 academic year. Below you will find a list of the courses planned for the full year. As start dates are confirmed with instructors, we will provide updates.
We are committed to supporting you and will help you to complete your certificate, including offering two financial awards for students during the 2024-25 academic year. Learn more about the Craft Beer Diversity Award offered in partnership with Coronado Brewing Company. Applications will be accepted through August 16, 2024.
Current Students
Current students can contact SDSU Global Campus Program Manager Evon Yousif (eyousif@sdsu.edu, (619) 594-1138) with questions and to plan your path to completing the program and earning your certificate.
Prospective Students
If you are considering the program, the final offering of Exploring Craft Beer, the program’s seminal course, begins Sept. 10, 2024. This course is required for those who wish to earn a certificate, which can be completed in a single year.
New students can connect with Kirsten Sterling, outreach representative at outreach.global@sdsu.edu for questions or for additional information.
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 guests 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®
Susie Baggs
The Business of Distribution
Owner and founder of Brown Bag Beverage
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 I and II Director of Hospitality and Certified Cicerone®, Modern Times Beer.
Michael Peacock
Draught Systems I and II
Founder/Owner TapCraft
Ben Probe
Beer & Wine: Service & Selling
Sommelier, Certified Cicerone® and Chemistry Instructor
Kate Zittere
Finance
Hiram College Professor
Maria Saling
Financial Management Partner
The Craft Beer Attorney
Theresa Carlson
Sip and Savor, Decoding the Flavorful Science Behind Beer and Wine
Derek Gallanosa
Marketing Craft Beer
Director of Beer Ops/Head Brewer, GOAL Brewing
Matt Akin
Brewing Basics
Head Brewer, Duck Foot Brewing Company
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 and includes a Brewing Basics course where you can make five gallons of your own brew
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
Scroll down on the infographic to see more!
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.
Craft Beer Diversity Award Application Now Open!
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. Application extended to Friday August 16, 2024!
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 in hospitality, restaurants, and related fields. 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
- Beverage Distributor Sales
- Cellarman/Brewer
What Can I Learn?
SDSU’s Craft Beer Certificate program combines sensory and business 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. Business courses focus on the other side of the craft beer industry, such as finances, marketing, distribution, sales, and guest relations.
Please note that online sensory courses require students to purchase their alcohol separately from and in addition to the class fees.
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 $49 when you complete CB 0001 — Exploring Craft Beer.
Craft Beer Program Highlights
- Provides skills necessary to enter the 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 a student's overall appreciation of craft beer outside of brewing
- Explores craft beer’s past and present as well as 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. In Exploring Craft Beer, you’ll learn about the history of craft beer globally and locally with Bill Sysak.
- Level II (Expanded Certificate) – This 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 craft beer experts who work with some of San Diego’s most popular breweries and craft beer businesses, including Modern Times Beer, TapCraft, and Brown Bag Beverage. 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 Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer will help you launch or enhance your career in a variety of positions within and outside of the craft beer industry. Some graduates acquire front-of-house positions as servers, tour guides, beertenders, and guest experience managers. Others find a home in operations, holding positions in marketing, distribution, brand management, and sales. Whatever your career goals are, earning your Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer 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?
Visit our Course Search page to learn more and register for open classes to get started!