Brewing and Distillation Studies Minor
Program Overview
The Brewing and Distillation Studies minor equips students with the knowledge and skills for success in the craft beverage industry. Through interdisciplinary coursework, internships, and experiential learning, students gain a comprehensive understanding of brewing and distillation science, business principles, and the legal and ethical aspects of alcohol consumption. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, sustainability, and community engagement, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in the industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Brewing and Distillations Studies minor provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in various career areas within the craft beverage industry.
Objectives:
The interdisciplinary program is built on foundations of scientific thinking, business, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles, as well as an understanding of the legal, ethical, social, and historical aspects of alcohol consumption and its impact on communities and economies. Through classroom work, internship experiences, and other experiential learning opportunities, students learn to apply creativity and scientific knowledge to become well-rounded and responsible practitioners in the craft beverage industry.
Program Description:
Students minoring in Brewing and Distillation Studies must complete 21 credits of approved courses, including 9 credits in the BRDS core and 12 credits of approved electives. In addition to maintaining an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 in the minor, students must earn a minimum grade of C in each major core course.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics related to the brewing and distillation industries, including:
- Foundations of Brewing and Distillation Studies
- Introduction to Brewing and Distillation Science
- Brewing and Distillation Studies Internship
- Principles of Brand Communication
- Introduction to Appalachian Studies
- Special Topics in Appalachian Studies
- Brewing and Distillation Studies Abroad
- Independent Study
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Entrepreneurship Innovation Lab
- Media Writing
- Small Business Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Fundamentals of Distribution
Structure:
The program is structured as a minor, which means that it is a secondary area of study outside of the student's major program of study. The minor consists of 21 credits of coursework, including 9 credits of core courses and 12 credits of approved electives.
Course Schedule:
The program's course schedule is flexible, allowing students to complete the minor at their own pace. Students can take courses in any order, and they can choose to take courses during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Individual Modules:
The program's individual modules are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the brewing and distillation industries. Each module covers a specific topic, and students are required to complete all of the modules in order to complete the minor.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed on their knowledge and skills through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Presentations
- Papers
- Projects
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their ability to:
- Understand the theoretical foundations of brewing and distillation
- Apply scientific principles to brewing and distillation processes
- Develop and implement business plans for brewing and distillation businesses
- Communicate effectively about brewing and distillation
- Demonstrate ethical and responsible practices in the brewing and distillation industries
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program's teaching methods are designed to provide students with a hands-on learning experience. Students learn through a variety of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Demonstrations
- Workshops
- Field trips
Faculty:
The program's faculty are experts in the brewing and distillation industries. They have a wealth of experience in both academia and industry, and they are committed to providing students with the best possible education.
Unique Approaches:
The program's unique approaches include:
- A focus on experiential learning
- A strong emphasis on sustainability
- A commitment to community engagement
Careers:
Career Paths:
The program prepares students for a variety of career paths in the brewing and distillation industries, including:
- Brewer
- Distiller
- Brewmaster
- Distiller
- Sales representative
- Marketing manager
- Entrepreneur
Opportunities:
The program provides students with a number of opportunities to gain experience in the brewing and distillation industries, including:
- Internships
- Externships
- Research projects
- Guest lectures
- Field trips
Outcomes:
The program's outcomes include:
- Graduates who are knowledgeable about the theoretical foundations of brewing and distillation
- Graduates who are able to apply scientific principles to brewing and distillation processes
- Graduates who are able to develop and implement business plans for brewing and distillation businesses
- Graduates who can communicate effectively about brewing and distillation
- Graduates who demonstrate ethical and responsible practices in the brewing and distillation industries