Beer brewing has taken on a new life in recent years. With more flavors and profiles being produced by breweries across the U.S., more people have taken a great interest in craft brewing. Some have adapted to home brewing to make their own creations come to life. In fact, more people are seeking career opportunities as brewmasters to try to become the scientists and developers behind a new favorite thirst-quenching beverage. If this is you, here are some common college degrees that brewers obtain.
1. Biochemistry
You might be thinking it’s a red flag for a college to get an application with a personal essay that talks about beer. However, more schools are affording opportunities related to the brewing process. It’s a matter of properly conveying what you’re looking to accomplish. A college essay consultant will take the time to look at the statement you are sending to potential schools to be certain you are clearly showing an interest in beer creation without giving the impression that you’re just coming to their academy to learn to party.
Having a background in science has given master brewers an edge in creating everything from a premium lager to a rich and bold stout. Biochemistry helps creators understand the process of fermentation. Proper yeast fermentation is the only way to put out a healthy product, as any issues could render a beer undrinkable. Understanding fermentation pathways helps brewmasters understand biochemical pathways that produce off-flavors. This allows creators to troubleshoot while working in known parameters for protein content, enzyme content, and alpha acids.
2. Applied Science
While some schools in the United States will offer degrees in brewing science and brewing operations, others may take the approach of applied science to further branch out into other food ventures, along with the process of creating an American light lager. Through applied science, you’ll learn about the role that fermentation temperature plays in making draft beers come to life while understanding the difference that high carbonation makes in having a beer just pop on the palate.
Classroom instruction, practical laboratory applications of brewing, distillation, and fermentation principles and practices might be included as part of a study program, with emphasis on what brewery pioneers are discovering each day. You may learn some of the techniques that German brewers take as opposed to Americans to get to a finished beer. This includes a delve into the biological makeup of the ingredients that make up everything from a Bud Light to a high-ABV IPA. You’ll understand how the breakdown of these ingredients is emphasized through a frothy head and a crisp bite in each sip.
3. Mechanical Engineering
While you may have shown an interest in the craft brewing process, you know your strengths are more mechanical than chemical. That’s where a mechanical engineering degree can actually have a huge impact in helping pilsners, sours, and more get produced and out to the marketplace. Breweries can have great scientists and flavor profiles, but they also need someone to construct vats, pipes, pumps, and motors that make the production of a finished beer a possibility.
Beer is heavy, and trying to accelerate the brewing process takes the teamwork of chemistry, biology, and engineering professionals. Mechanical engineers also understand the importance of designing systems that limit waste, preserve water, and turn any waste into energy through innovative processes. With an understanding of shared research and development, these major projects can lead to an unbelievable beer that will have people talking and bartenders pouring. Be sure to make clear during the college application process that your passion is in brewing, letting schools know why you stand out in a field of qualified applicants.
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