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Brewing Laboratory Science

The Brewing Laboratory Science Program prepares students for work in the quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) sector of the beer brewing industry. The program includes an undergraduate certificate, a minor in Brewing Laboratory Science, and a lecture/laboratory program with hands-on intensive training in a 7bbl microbrewery on campus.

  • Mission

    To offer education towards a career change for non-degree seeking students as well as provide a minor to all other degree plans across the university. The program focuses on providing a unique learning experience in each of its courses to help students gain valuable tools to seek employment in the brewing industry after graduation.

  • BLS Objective

    The Brewing Laboratory Science Program prepares students for work in the quality control / quality assurance (QC/QA) sector of the beer brewing industry. This includes quality in fields beyond the sciences. Quality is an important factor in branding, people management, and virtually every aspect of any industry. The program includes an undergraduate certificate and a minor in Brewing Laboratory Science each focused on a lecture/laboratory program with hands-on intensive training in a 7bbl microbrewery on campus. Internship Opportunities available and encouraged.

    The need for brewing laboratory science skills—in Colorado and nationwide—is still growing. There were 9,247 craft breweries in the U.S. as of 2021, with 433 in Colorado (fourth most in the nation). Consistent beer quality is a key factor in the success of new and growing breweries.

Brewing Lab Science Events

  • BREW 170/L science LAC course

    Every fall explore the roles that science plays in the process of brewing. Learn practical applications of chemistry, biology, physics, and other sciences in this multidisciplinary science course.

  • Annual Bears Brews and Bites Beer Festival

    Join us each fall before the first home football game for the Annual Bears, Brews & Bites. Sample local breweries and food trucks and get ready for some UNC Bears football. Proceeds from the event support the programmatic needs of UNC's Brewing Laboratory Science Program.

  • Northern Colorado Brewhouse Beer Releases.

    Follow our Instagram to get information about upcoming beer releases and where you can find the beers produced on campus!

 

Certificate Program in Brewing Laboratory Science

Program Coordinator

Sean Johnson (sean.johnson@unco.edu)

Minor in Brewing Laboratory Science

Chelsea Lawler

The minor in Brewing Laboratory Science is available to any undergraduate student who is currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at UNC.  Coupled with any major on campus, the minor can be a good start to a career in this rapidly growing industry.

Learn more about the minor

UNC Brew Science & Crabtree Brewing