Brewery Operations Program

Craft breweries and brewpubs have become a significant component of Colorado’s culture and economy. Because of the industry’s high rate of growth, our brewing industry partners have reported a need for university educated employees trained in brewing, brewery operations, sales and distribution, brewpub management, and related operations positions.

With multiple degree and non-degree options, the Brewery Operations Program in the School of Hospitality blends the art and science of brewing beer with the hospitality knowledge, business acumen, and operational skills desired by the macro and craft beer industry.

A distinctive program in downtown Denver

The program supports students pursuing their first degree, those wanting to enhance a prior degree or those seeking professional or personal development in the field. With input from our industry leadership council incorporated into the curriculum, the program goes beyond brewing and traditional classroom work to provide opportunities for unique, hands-on experiences within the Colorado craft and macro brewing industry.

Situated in the heart of downtown Denver on the Auraria Campus, the University’s central location within Colorado and the nation offers students access to a considerable number of experiential learning opportunities in beer. Students engage with breweries, restaurants, and distributors around Colorado. They also benefit from numerous career opportunities throughout the Front Range and Rocky Mountain region. The Brewery Operations Program also participates in the Brewers Association’s Beverage Educator Summit and Roundtable, an initiative by the Brewers Association to preserve, protect and promote small and independent craft breweries.

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As part of the program, students will take courses in MSU Denver’s School of Hospitality and obtain the most up-to-date knowledge and skills required by the hospitality industry.

MSU Denver Brewery Operations Program courses add even more value by including chemistry, biology, business, management, engineering, law, marketing, and economics courses to the learning experience.

The degrees provide a solid core of beer industry classes, so new brewery employees will know everything going on with their products-starting on the cellular level.