Here’s one class where students won’t mind doing extra credit. Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) is tapping into interest in New Jersey’s craft beer scene and is offering a new certificate program for students interested in a career in craft brewing. Brewing and Fermentation Science is launching its first classes this fall at the college.
Craft brews have spread like wildfire across the country. There are 145 breweries and 115 partner breweries in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Craft Beer website.
“This certificate will enhance our students’ skills to serve the growing craft brewing industry while creating a direct pathway from education to employment within our community,” said RCBC’s Dean of Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences Dr. Francis Canedo. “The Brewing and Fermentation Science certificate represents our commitment to responsive education that meets both industry demands and student passions.”
Students who start the certificate at this time can take two online courses this fall. Next year, two in-person courses will begin. Students must be 21 to take the courses.
A partnership among RCBC, King’s Road Brewing Company, and the Community House of Moorestown, plans to establish the first education-based microbrewery in New Jersey that will facilitate the curriculum of this certificate.
Students can earn authentic brewery experience, which will include giant stainless steel tanks used in brewing and fermenting and a bar and tasting room.
Craft beers have become quite popular in New Jersey; however, the state has not made it easy for homegrown brewers. The state limits retail liquor licenses by population, making them expensive to obtain. Craft brewers have been dealing with shifting rules for how they can operate their business. Last year, 20 of New Jersey’s breweries closed or were planning to.
