Learn about beer with online courses and programs

Beer course curriculum

Do you want to have a better understanding of how beer is made? With courses on edX, you can learn about the science behind brewing to enhance your appreciation of beer and even kickstart a career in the industry.

Introductory beer classes may cover the following topics:

• Steps involved in the beer supply chain

• Effects of each step in beer production

• Production processes for different beer styles

• Characteristics and cultivation of raw materials

• Marketing methods to influence consumer behavior

• Beer’s pathway through the human body

• Health effects related to beer consumption

If you want to explore courses that discuss the brewing process more in-depth, you might also take a class on fermentation and the role of microbes in beer production.

edX offers online courses that allow learners to study a variety of topics including beer and brewing, food science, and much more. ‌Sign up for an accelerated boot camp or enroll in a full degree program and start working toward a bachelor's degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree in a relevant subject. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals.

Explore jobs in the beer industry

The production and sale of beer requires a wide range of professionals at different stages. From sourcing ingredients to promoting the finished product, many diverse roles can be found in the beer industry, such as:

• Quality control (QC) technician: Ensures that beer meets quality standards by performing sensory evaluations, pH testing, and microbiological analysis.¹

• Sales representative: Works for breweries to sell their products to distributors, retailers, bars, and restaurants, and promote the brewery's products.²

• Event coordinator: Plans and organizes beer-related events such as beer festivals, tastings, and brewery tours.³

• Supply chain manager: Oversees the logistics and procurement of raw materials, ensuring that breweries have the necessary ingredients for production.⁴

• Brand ambassador: Represents beer companies at events, promotions, and tastings, helping to build brand loyalty.⁵

While many of these roles exist within similar industries, employment qualifications for careers that may utilize knowledge of beer differ based on the position and employer. Some roles may require a specialized degree while others may only ask for a demonstration of skills that can be acquired through hands-on experience, for example. Before deciding on which learning path will work best for you, research potential roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.