Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, will offer a unique degree in Craft Beverages.
The plan of study for the degree is varied and bridges disciplinary boundaries. The curriculum includes classes in general business and entrepreneurship as well as classes targeted specifically for brewing.
There are chemistry courses, a course on fermentation, another on styles and flavors of craft beverages and even a history class on prohibition. The degree requires that students complete nine credit hours of an internship.
Sport Club Spotlight: Healthy Haven
"It's the perfect blend," said Helene Sheets, director of marketing at Lourdes. "It takes the best of arts and sciences and mixes them with an education in the industry and profession of craft beverages to prepare graduates for success."
The program is planned to launch in the fall of 2019. It was initiated in response to growing industry needs.
"We started the degree largely in response to community needs we saw," said Katherine Beutel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "We noticed that the craft brewing industry was really growing, especially locally. And it was a major we could offer by combining aspects that we already did well."
Other News: Frontline's Show on Dayton does not tell the whole story
Lourdes University is pairing with local breweries and wineries and ones as far away as Ireland and California. Two local breweries, Inside the Five Brewing and Upside Brewing, have both made beers styled after the Lourdes University mascot, the Gray Wolves.
Majestic Oaks Winery also plans to make a Lourdes wine. The beers are planned to be made available on Oct. 5 to commemorate the new program.
