Advanced Craft Brewing Undergraduate Badge
Brewing beer is a craft as well as a science. With more than 40 breweries in the area, the beer industry is expansive and well-established in West Michigan.
Program Overview
This badge is designed to give students a working foundation in beer brewing and product evaluation. The focus is on the process of brewing and the evaluation of beer, along with the scientific, historical, cultural, health, and societal aspects of brewing and consuming beer.
Anyone admitted to Grand Valley as a degree-seeking or a nondegree-seeking learner may complete this badge.
Why Study Advanced Craft Brewing at Grand Valley?
- Produce various styles of beer using your own recipes and methods.
- Develop proficiency in each step of the brewing process.
- Analyze the brewing process and beer from a scientific perspective.
- Learn how to clean, sanitize, and sterilize before, during, and after the brewing process.
- Highlight marketable and desirable skills to potential employers while enhancing your education.
- Obtain a specialization in a growing field that can be completed in a year.
Admissions
Admissions to complete a digital badge is open to both degree and nondegree seeking students. If you are not currently a Grand Valley student, start your application here.
For current GVSU students:
- Declare your badge via myBanner. Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate badge from the drop down list, and click Submit.
- Speak with the appropriate badge coordinator to ensure criteria are being met. You will be able to track your progress toward the badge in myPath as well!
- Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the badge via myBanner.
- Once the completion of your badge has been verified, the badge will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. In addition, your digital badge will be posted on Credly.com.
Location & Format
Students in this program study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
The badge is comprised of three classes, nine credits total:
- CMB 350 - Foundations in Brewing
- CMB 430 - Brewing Science
- CMB 431 - Advanced Brewing
Students will develop skills of sensory analysis by assessing aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and appearance; explore appropriate food-pairings; and explaining the historical and cultural relationships of beers to geographic locations and human populations. Students will also become competent in each step of the brewing process and be able to design a beer to specifications. Lastly, students will learn how to measure and describe the major characteristics of a beer (ABV, IBU, color, clarity) and be able to culture brewing yeast.
Classes for this badge are in-person on the Allendale Campus.
Career Options
The badge is designed to provide experience with and knowledge of the brewing process and brewing culture to those who want to pursue employment in the brewing industry, those in hospitality and food service, or those interested in the science of fermentation.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Cell and Molecular Biology Department
gvsu.edu/cmb
P. Douglas Kindschi
Hall of Science, 3300a
(616) 331-2315