August 14, 2015 – Located in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University (WMU) prides itself on offering its students education and degrees that are relevant to the current and predicted employment market. The fantastic growth of craft beer caught their attention, especially since “south west Michigan is a craft brewing Mecca” in the words of Chemistry Professor Steven Bertman.
Prof. Bertman, who admits to loving beer, is very involved in this fall’s introduction of Sustainable Craft Brewing at WMU. As Academic Advisor to the program, he enthusiastically described how he sees it as offering a unique opportunity to become well-rounded in all facets of craft brewing covering chemistry, biosciences, physics and environmental studies as well as sustainability, sales and marketing, and the relationship between food, beverages and culture throughout history.
We asked if it was open to anyone or limited to STEM students. The good news is yes, no science background is required as long as the student has high school algebra. The bad news is all 70 slots are already filled for this semester and there’s a waiting list. No surprise there. Is there an age limit? Professor Bertman explained they have an arrangement with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to allow underage students to taste but not swallow. We’ll resist a snarky comment about bureaucracy.
WMU is collaborating with Kalamazoo Valley Community College offering a two-year associate degree transferrable to WMU for a Bachelor of Science degree. Ten local breweries are on the advisory board and the university has a working brewery under construction. Completion is set for January 2016.
Western Michigan University’s dedication to Sustainable Craft Brewing is a testament to the importance of the craft brewing industry and its contribution to the economy of Michigan as well as the United States. For decades, U.C. Davis and Fresno State, for example, have offered coveted degrees in oenology. Brewing’s time has come and we hope other institutions of learning will follow the lead of WMU. A brochure on the program can be found at http://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u58/2015/craft-brewing-brochure.pdf
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