Brewing Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Brewing Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the technical expertise, scientific understanding, and business acumen required to excel in modern brewing operations. This rigorous curriculum bridges the gap between laboratory science and industrial practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in craft breweries, beverage companies, and research-driven enterprises.
- Biology: Explores the living systems relevant to brewing, including cellular processes and organismal interactions critical to fermentation and microbial management.
- Biochemistry: Examines the chemical transformations in beer production, focusing on enzymes, metabolites, and molecular pathways involved in brewing reactions.
- Brewing Technology: Covers the full-scale processes of beer production, from raw ingredient handling to packaging, emphasizing process efficiency and consistency.
- Entrepreneurship: Develops skills in business planning, financial modeling, and market strategy tailored to startup and established brewing ventures.
- Fermentation Science: Investigates microbial fermentation dynamics, including yeast behavior, metabolic byproducts, and process optimization for flavor and stability.
- Malting: Focuses on the transformation of grain into malt, covering grain selection, germination, kilning, and the impact on final beer profile.
- Marketing: Addresses brand development, consumer behavior, distribution channels, and promotional strategies within the competitive beverage industry.
- Microbiology: Provides in-depth study of microorganisms used in brewing, their roles in fermentation, and methods to prevent contamination.
- Quality Control: Teaches standardized testing protocols, sensory evaluation, and analytical techniques to ensure product consistency and compliance.
- Sanitation: Emphasizes hygiene practices, cleaning-in-place systems, and contamination prevention to maintain safe and efficient brewing environments.
Brewing Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Brewing Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Brewing Science degrees, including Food Scientists and Technologists, Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders and Food Science Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 254,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012 | $85,310 | $49,580 - $141,860 | 14,370 | $41.02 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9012 | $49,500 | $35,810 - $75,860 | 54,200 | $23.80 |
| Food Science Technicians 19-4013 | $49,430 | $37,760 - $75,100 | 14,200 | $23.76 |
| Food Batchmakers 51-3092 | $40,790 | $30,850 - $57,800 | 171,660 | $19.61 |
Brewing Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $27,330 in West Virginia to $75,420 in District of Columbia—a 176% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Wyoming, and Missouri. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 254,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Brewing Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 17 institutions offering Brewing Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Brewing Science is found at Chattahoochee Technical College (27 graduates), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) (13 graduates), Sacred Heart University (SHU) (12 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (11 graduates), and Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 118 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Sacred Heart University (SHU) |
Other Award
|
12 | Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | sacredheart.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
|
11 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Regis University |
Other Award
|
8 | Denver, Colorado | Private | regis.edu |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | kvcc.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Cumberland, Maryland | Public | allegany.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Other Award
|
3 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Schenectady, New York | Public | sunysccc.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Kent State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Ashtabula, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Lourdes University |
Other Award
|
1 | Sylvania, Ohio | Private | lourdes.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Brewing Science programs
How much can I earn with a Brewing Science degree?
Salaries for Brewing Science graduates vary by role and location. Food Scientists and Technologists earn a median of $85,310 annually, while Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn around $49,500. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $75,420 compared to $27,330 in West Virginia. Approximately 254,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Brewing Science programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Brewing Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Chattahoochee Technical College (27 graduates), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) (13 graduates), and Sacred Heart University (SHU) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Brewing Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Food Scientists and Technologists, Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, and Food Science Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 254,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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