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Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer

Spring Courses Now 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 bio photo

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 bio photo

Derek Gallanosa

Marketing Craft Beer

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

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.

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.

View Program FAQs PDF

Possible Job Titles:

  • Business Owner
  • Food and Beverage Manager
  • Hospitality Specialist
  • Cellarman/Brewer
  • Bartender or Server
  • Beverage Distributor
  • Beverage Distributor Sales

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 graduates

$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

The course requirements vary, depending on which Craft Beer Certificate you choose to pursue:

  • Level I (Essential Certificate) – 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) – You’ll need to successfully complete nine courses (Level I + three courses).

Click the course names below to read the course description, view course dates, and register for available courses.

Course List

Courses
Cost
Fall 2024
Spring 2025
CB 0001 Exploring Craft Beer
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

Exploring Craft Beer will take you on a journey through the world of craft beer and help you build a solid foundation for your future in the program. This six-week introductory course offers a 30,000-foot view of the industry while also covering 10,000 years of craft beer history. You’ll learn about beer terminology, beer styles, beer and food pairings, the recent craft beer revolution, and much more.

Whether you have been in the industry for decades or are a brand new beer enthusiast, Exploring Craft Beer will help you succeed in every other class in the program, from sensory courses to business classes. It’ll also open the door to an incredible networking experience, in which you’ll be able to connect with local craft beer professionals at all levels of the industry.

Prerequisite:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course. This is the first, required course for the Business in Craft Beer Program
CB 0002 Beer Styles I
Cost $449
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

This eight-week course is designed to give students a comprehensive overview of the key characteristics of beer based on style. Students will strengthen their perceptive and descriptive abilities for assessing and communicating the specific attributes of each beer. We will walk through several flights of beer through each class as we discuss the history, brewing process, and key attributes for each style. Our end goal is to become more effective at sharing our passion for craft beer with our customers, friends, family, and colleagues.

Prerequisite: Exploring Craft Beer

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course and have completed CB 0001: Exploring Craft Beer.
CB 0003 Marketing Craft Beer
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025 1/27-3/3

Spring ’25 Registration Ends: January 27, 2025

Marketing is crucial to the health and survival of any organization. This six-week course involves a comprehensive study of the basic concepts, techniques, and tools for developing a marketing strategy for the business of craft beer. Topics include research, targeting, positioning, branding, traditional media versus social media, public relations, websites, blogging, and email campaigns. We’ll also explore building your customer base on-premise, off-premise, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) through both traditional and unique forms of marketing. Students will create their own craft beer marketing plan for their chosen beer or brewery.

Prequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course

Next Session: Spring 2025, 1/27-3/3

Section:
25SP 99151 PS
Location:
Classroom
Day(s):
Monday
Time:
6:00pm – 9:00pm PST
Instructor

It’s recommended to first enroll in the program (it’s free and no obligation!) Then register for the course(s) you intend to take!

CB 0004 Brewery Start-Up I
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

Ready to start or work with a new brewery? Brewery Start-Up 1 will give you all the information you need to open, manage or work in a start-up brewery. This six-week course goes through every aspect of a start-up: concept, basic craft definitions, capital raising, trademark and legal issues, location identification and build-out, equipment and ingredient needs, licensing processes, federal and state alcohol laws, and selling and marketing your product. Industry leaders with hands-on knowledge bring real-world experience and guest speakers to touch on every topic. A trip to a local brewery is included.

CB 0006 Hospitality Management
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

This six-week course is designed to give students the tools necessary to plan, staff, and manage a craft beer-centric restaurant, bar, or brewery tasting room. It is an inside look into the necessary considerations that an establishment must face to preserve the quality of its products and deliver the best possible guest experience. Some of the hospitality management topics include: building and laying out the space, staffing selection, draft system expertise, beer program management, staff training, beer and food service, and event planning. Off-site classes will give students a firsthand look into the challenges and rewards of sharing this amazing craft with its patrons. Hospitality locations are where lifetime fans of your brand are earned and lost. Learn how to create an amazing experience that generates return business.
Formerly titled: Front of the House Management

CB 0007 Beer Styles II
Cost $439
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

This seven-week course will pick up where Beer Styles I left off and provide a comprehensive overview of the key characteristics of rarer beer styles, as well as explore off flavors within a style. Each class will focus on a group of new and previously introduced beer styles. Some of the topics we will cover include: aroma, appearance, flavor, mouth-feel, impression, off-flavors, and statistics. This course will dive deeper into previously studied beers and provide students with the tools to evaluate quality within a specific style. Upon course completion, students will have a stronger grasp of the myriad of beer style profiles and will possess tools to enable them to continue to grow a well-rounded knowledge of great craft beer.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course and have completed CB 0001: Exploring Craft Beer.
CB 0008 Brewery Start-Up II: The Business Plan
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025 2/19-3/26

Spring ’25 Registration Ends: February 19, 2025

Most beer drinkers have had a moment where they’ve had the next great idea for a beer. Well, it’s not as easy as you think. With 18% growth in the market in 2013 there’s a lot of competition. In 2013, 413 new breweries opened and 44 closed. Unless you’re ready for the competition with a well-positioned product and a plan for success your time and investment could be all foam.

This six-week course is designed to provide students a framework to develop a business model for their craft beer concept and a business plan to bring it to market. Using a proven methodology for business model development, students will work through the concept development process to confirm the market is interested in their product. With a thorough understanding of the marketplace, students will be prepared to develop a business plan based on facts and figures ready for investors.

Prerequesite: Have completed CB 0004: Brewery Start-up 1

Next Session: Spring 2025, 2/19-3/26

Section:
25SP 99153 PS
Location:
Online
Day(s):
Wednesday
Time:
6:00pm – 9:00pm PST
Instructor

Registration Ends February 19, 2025.

It’s recommended to first enroll in the program (it’s free and no obligation!) Then register for the course(s) you intend to take!

CB 0009 The Business of Distribution (Online)
Cost $299
Fall 2024
Spring 2025 1/30-2/13

Choosing a wholesaler is arguably one of the most important decisions you can make as a brewery. This class will teach you how to evaluate all wholesalers in a market and once you have selected a wholesaler, how to best manage them. You will also learn how to maximize the three-tier system, what impact using a wholesaler will have on your bottom line and what will be expected of you as a brewery. Time will be spent going over all aspects of supplier to wholesaler relationships and how to work with a wholesaler, and more importantly, how NOT to work with one.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course

Next Session: Spring 2025, 1/30-2/13

Section:
25SP 99152 PS
Location:
Online
Day(s):
Thursday
Time:
6:00pm – 9:00pm PST
Instructor
  • Susan Baggs

Registration Ends January 30, 2025.

It’s recommended to first enroll in the program (it’s free and no obligation!) Then register for the course(s) you intend to take!

CB 0010 Brewing Basics (Online)
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

This course will expand on the introduction to brewing that is covered in Exploring Craft Beer. Students will gain a deeper understanding of brewing terminology as well as how the manipulation of raw ingredients and brewing practices result in the wide variety of beer styles. Each week will focus on a separate stage in the brewing process. The class will brew a beer together during the final.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course and have completed CB 0001: Exploring Craft Beer.
CB 0011 Draught Systems
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

This six-week course introduces the fundamentals of draught systems, with discussion and demonstration of the different types of systems. Topics include safety, equipment, design and layout, fluid dynamics, best practices, maintenance, terminology, basic troubleshooting, and more. Students have hands-on use of system components and experience an off-site visit to assess the design and installation of an operational system. This course reviews the guidelines set forth by Brewers Association publications, and guest speakers discuss the role of a draught system to their business. Students will gain a greater understanding of the intricacies of draught system technology, and learn how to problem-solve and prevent common issues.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course and have completed CB 0001: Exploring Craft Beer.
CB 0012 Beer and Wine: Service and Selling
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

Students will learn all aspects of selling both beer and wine in a restaurant. They will learn how to promote each to not only increase beverage sales but give the customer a greater experience which will lead to more positive reviews, and greater revenue for the restaurant as a whole. Students will learn how to cross-sell as well as upsell while enhancing the customer experience. They will also be provided with tools to learn beyond the course and further their knowledge for personal and/or professional gain in the craft beer and wine industries, while networking with like-minded individuals.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course.
CB 0013 Finance (Online)
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

Finance is the language of the practical business world, and regardless of the industry, business owners must know how to read and speak this language in order for their business to thrive. This course is designed to teach accounting and finance basics for the non-accountant, and from a craft brewery perspective. Topics include brewery cash-flow management, accounting for inventory, overhead expenses and cost of goods sold, forecasting brewery capital requirements, understanding profit margins, and excise and income-tax basics. Guest speakers from the local craft beer community will round out the course by discussing how financial information has assisted in making key strategic decisions for their brewery.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 21 years of age to take this course
CB 0018 Draught Systems II
Cost $349
Fall 2024
Spring 2025

This six-session course will go deep into the subjects covered in the Brewers Association Draught Quality Manual, Third Edition. Topics will include safety, equipment installation, system operation analysis, proper use of chemicals, line cleaning and glycol maintenance, cask beer dispensing options, how to dispense specialty beverages, system balance, troubleshooting, and maximizing profits. Several sessions will be held offsite. Several hands-on activities will help students build their skills in draught system operations.

Prerequisites:
CB 01 Exploring Craft Beer and CB 11 Draught Systems I
CB 0022 Sip & Savor: Decoding the Flavorful Science Behind Beer and Wine
Cost $449
Fall 2024
Spring 2025 2/20-4/17

This course will explore chemistry and its application in the creation of wine and beer. Beer and wine will be broken down to the molecular level to help you gain an understanding of how fermentation and the roles of additives in both beer and wine work to create such radically different alcoholic beverages.

This course goes beyond the science and art of fermentation by exploring its practical applications in the industry. Understanding the molecular intricacies of beer and wine production and gaining insights into flavor chemistry and fermentation optimization will lead to producing better products in a competitive beverage market. This knowledge will also ensure customer satisfaction and assist in managing production costs effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or aspiring to enter the field, this course provides valuable expertise that is indispensable for success in the ever-evolving world of brewing and winemaking.

Formerly: The Chemistry of Beer and Wine

Next Session: Spring 2025, 2/20-4/17

Section:
25SP 99154 PS
Location:
Classroom
Day(s):
Thursday
Time:
6:00pm – 9:00pm PST
Instructor

Registration Ends February 20, 2025.

It’s recommended to first enroll in the program (it’s free and no obligation!) Then register for the course(s) you intend to take!

*Dates and fees subject to change.

Finished All The Required Courses?

Click the button below to receive your certificate.

Registration Instructions

To register for courses in the Project Management program, please complete the following steps:

  1. Log into your SDSU Global Campus Account, if you haven’t already done so.
  2. Choose your courses in the “Courses” tab.
  3. Click here to get started!
  4. Check the dates and times to ensure that you can attend all sessions of the course.
  5. Click “Add to Cart.”
  6. Add more courses to your cart or click “Checkout.”
  7. Pay for your course(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my progress in the program?

Students in the craft beer certificate program can check their progress by logging into their SDSU Global Campus student account. If you need assistance with your account, contact our Registration staff at 619-594-5152 or enrollment.global@sdsu.edu.

Do I receive a letter grade after I complete a course in the program?

These courses do not receive academic credit and will not show up on an SDSU transcript.

However, students who complete courses in our professional certificate programs (other than those that are graded as Pass/No Pass) will receive a final letter score that mimics the grading rubric SDSU uses for credit-bearing courses. Students will also receive a Letter of Completion from our registration team for each course they complete, which will include their final score.

How is the program structured?

Our craft beer certificate program consists of two levels. Level I is the Essential Certificate, which begins with “Exploring Craft Beer” as the recommended first course and continues with five more courses that must be successfully completed. Level II is the Expanded Certificate, which requires the successful completion of three more classes upon completion of the Level I certificate. Students have up to two years from starting to complete both certificates.

What is the program format?

SDSU craft beer courses are offered in person at SDSU, offsite, or live on Zoom. Please find detailed information on the individual course pages for more information about each course.

Where do I park for on-campus courses?

DSU parking permits are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Parking Structure 6 on Hardy Avenue. If you’re participating in a course with an on-campus component, you’ll need to purchase a digital SDSU Student Parking Permit through San Diego State University.

Is there financial support available for this program?

As a student in our craft beer program, you have options when it comes to paying for your courses. This program is eligible for the following discounts and support programs:

Students who complete Level I of our craft beer program are also eligible for a program alumni discount on all subsequent courses.

Does this program teach you how to brew beer?

Yes, SDSU has courses on production and post-production as well as brewing. Brewing Basics is a five-week course that dives into every stage of the brewing process. If you’re a homebrewer, this course will teach you how to brew to scale and benefit you even if you have been homebrewing for many years.

Do I need to take courses in a certain order?

In order to take any sensory class, you’ll need to take Exploring Craft Beer first. Business courses can be completed prior to enrolling in Exploring Craft Beer. Prerequisites are noted under class descriptions.

How do I receive my Professional Certificate once I’ve finished the program?

Once you’ve completed all the program requirements, fill out a certificate request form. SDSU Global Campus will verify that you’ve completed all the required courses and assignments. Once your program completion has been verified, you’ll receive a digital copy of your certificate.

I’m interested. How do I get started?

Ready to take the next step? Click on the Courses tab to browse our courses and register. If you have any questions about the program, our Welcome Center can help! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.

Do these courses count for academic credit?

No, classes in the Business of Craft Beer program are not eligible for academic credit; however, upon successful completion of each course, students will receive a Letter of Completion with the letter score.

When all requirements are met, students receive a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer for Level I and/or II.

Do you administer the Cicerone© Certified Beer Server Exam?

No, SDSU partners with Cicerone© to provide the first level at a discount of $49 for all who complete Exploring Craft Beer.

View Program FAQs PDF

The Business of Craft Beer program is a proud member of:

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Keeping Our Community Safe

Please ensure that you’re in compliance with all current COVID-19 guidelines when you take courses with SDSU Global Campus.

Parking Guidelines

Beginning in fall 2021, SDSU Global Campus students will need to purchase parking in order to park on campus.

Parking Rates for SDSU Global Campus Students
Daily:
$5
Weekly: $12
Monthly: $30

Please visit our parking instructions webpage to learn how to purchase your permit.

Related Links

Request Your Certificate
Certificate Programs
Alumni Lifetime Member Discount
Craft Beer Certificate FAQs
Business of Craft Beer Videos
Advisory Board
Craft Beer Blog Articles