From Grain to Glass

New degree in Craft Beer Industry on tap for fall at MSU Denver

A new degree program is on tap at Metropolitan State University of Denver. This fall, students will have the opportunity to hone their craft — in brews, that is — in Craft Beer Industry, the latest addition to the university’s growing Brewing Industry Operations program.

The degree is geared toward students with overlapping interests in the science and business of beer — those who want to master the unique microbiology and chemistry of brewing, and who aspire to bring a new brew to market. Courses include Fermentation Science, Brewing Science and Quality Analysis/Quality Control.

“With the popularity of craft beer around the country, breweries have been able to get away with producing average-quality beer,” said Scott Kerkmans, an instructor and director of the Brewing Industry Operations program. “Improving quality is very important to continued growth in the craft beer industry as palettes become more discerning.”

An on-campus brewing and analytical chemistry laboratory will help students in the program — and local brewers — make those improvements.