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Learn about beer with online courses and programs

People have enjoyed drinking beer for centuries. Learning about its origins can give you a greater appreciation for the craft and even inspire a career in brewing. Start your journey into the world of beer with online courses on edX.

What is beer?

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made through the fermentation of malted grains mixed with hops, water, and yeast. This process results in the production of beer, which can be made in a wide variety of styles, flavors, colors, and aromas.

Brewers make beer in breweries. Larger brewing companies, such as Guinness and Anheuser-Busch, may operate many breweries to satisfy consumer demand. Smaller craft or independent brewers tend to offer more limited types or batches of beer made in a single shared location.

Whether you want to learn about beer so you can make it yourself, or you simply want to gain a greater appreciation for the industry, you can start with edX. Choose from online courses designed for learners of all levels and backgrounds.

Beer | Introduction Image

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.Footnote 1

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

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

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

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

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