It isn’t quite a full-blown bachelor’s degree program yet, but USF St. Petersburg is now offering a certificate program in brewing arts. Yes, students can actually go to school to make their own beer now.
After recognizing the level of impact the craft beer industry has already had on the Bay area’s economy, the USFSP College of Arts and Sciences reached out to seven local breweries and got to work. According to a study by the Brewers Guild of Florida, as of 2013, combined direct and indirect economic impact from the industry was estimated at $432 million. The study suggests that before long, there may be as many as 500 breweries in the area. The estimated total impact? Upwards of $2.5 billion.
The program is both online and hands-on, providing students with the unique opportunity to work closely with the local breweries that chose to collaborate with the university.
According to the course description, the Brewing Arts Program will provide students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on training for a successful career in the fast growing industry of craft brewing. In addition to learning brewing processes, students will participate and practice in one of the breweries’ laboratories.
Although the course certainly seems more oriented toward the career-minded brewing enthusiast, the site claims that those pursuing brewing as a weekend hobby are certainly still members of the target audience. However, the program’s hefty $5,000 price tag and six required textbooks don’t exactly welcome the less serious brewing student with open arms.
“You’re paying five grand for it, so this course isn’t really meant for the casual brewer,” said Jim Kensinger, 52, a long-time Tavern employee. “It’s for people who take brewing seriously, not the guy who wants to brew at home on the weekends.”
According to Kensinger, the Tavern at Bayboro will assist with the marketing side of the program, which helps students understand the proper steps to take once their own brews have been completed and packaged.
The course’s curriculum is all inclusive. It begins with the archaeology and indigenous knowledge of brewing and ending with a lesson on how to successfully start your own brewery, the lesson plan comes off as clear and well-defined. Along the way, students will also learn about ingredient selection, sanitation, safety procedures, quality control and packaging.
The course will conclude with each student brewing their own personal batch of craft beer and a “friendly taste competition” at the graduation ceremony. With the brewing, management and marketing knowledge these students will take away from the program, there could be some alumni-owned breweries popping up in the near future.
Collaborating Breweries: 3 Daughters Brewing Company
Coppertail Brewing Company
Barley Mow Brewing Company
Green Bench Brewing Company
St Pete Brewing Company
Florida Avenue Brewing Company
Cigar City Brewing Company
Website: http://www.usfsp.edu/brewingarts/
