Distillation Science Certificate

The Distillation Science Certificate is the first of its kind in CT and is designed to prepare students looking to break into the distillation industry or to expand their skills.

Coursework is hybrid, in the evenings and on weekends to suit the schedules of working professionals. At 12 credits, the program is designed to be completed in just under one year.

Fieldwork & Teaching Facilities

Students visit distilleries, and other facilities important to the distillation industry. Through exposure to multiple working production facilities, our students gain a firsthand understanding of the process and inner workings of the industry. Select Distillation Science courses take place in our state-of-the-art teaching lab, housed at Area Two Experimental Brewing in Stratford, CT.

Internships

A semester-long internship at one of our partner distilleries, provides a hands-on practical experience and the cultivation of relationships with employers and industry stakeholders.

Teaching Facilities

The hands-on distilling courses are taught in SHU's Brewing & Distilling lab, housed at Two Roads’ Area Two Experimental Brewery. Two Roads is a highly regarded company in the craft brewing industry that has recently expanded to include production of distilled spirits and spirit-based beverages. Our instructors are distillation leaders and business professionals, giving a comprehensive approach to your distillation science education.

Career Opportunities

The distilling science certificate is designed to provide a strong start to those seeking to enter the distilling industry and also to advance the skills and bolster the resumes of those currently in the brewing or distilling industries. The experience and knowledge students gain through the program make them uniquely qualified candidates in the booming craft beverage job market. Our curriculum provides a solid foundation and competitive skills for the following roles:

Coursework

Students have three learning tracks to choose from:

• Certificate: all courses in the desired program of study (12 credits)
• Foundation: DIS 101 & DIS 111 (6 credits)
• Advanced: DIS 110 & DIS 211 (8 credits)

View Program of Study

Foundations of Craft Brewing & Distillation Credential (6 credits)

This suite of coursework is the appropriate point of entry for those aspiring to enter the craft brewing or distillation industry who have little prior experience. In addition, avid home brewers or distillers seeking advanced instruction to enhance their skills would find these courses highly beneficial. Completion of this module is required for the Certificate in Brewing Science or Certificate in Distillation Science. Courses run concurrently with an annual start date in late May. 

Advanced Distillation Science Credential (8 credits)

The courses in advanced distillation techniques are required for students completing the Distillation Science Certificate. The courses are appropriate for professionals working in the industry who are seeking to enhance their qualifications and skills. Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations of Craft Brewing & Distillation Science Core. Individuals with substantial prior experience in the craft brewing or distillation industry may be permitted to test out of the Foundations Core and pursue the Certificate in Distillation Science beginning with enrollment in Advanced Distillation Science. Courses are offered annually beginning in late August.

Are you a brewing or distillation professional looking to complete a single course? Register online.

Application Instructions

• Complete the online application (applications currently being accepted on a rolling basis)
• Pay $50 application fee
• Submit official transcript from most recent degree-granting institution
• Provide proof of age 21+
• Attend a Distillation Science Information Session

For information about the Distillation Science Certificate, contact Pepper Lavoie at 203-396-6266 or lavoiec3@sacredheart.edu.

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