Brewing & Distillation Studies
Become a part of this exciting and fast-growing industry!
In recent years, the brewing and distillation field has become one of the fastest growing segments of the economy in our region: It is a 4.2-billion-dollar industry in Tennessee and the state is home to more than 30 distilleries, 150-plus craft breweries, and 60-plus wineries. ETSU is pleased to now offer both a minor and an undergraduate certificate to prepare students to enter this exciting field. The Brewing & Distillation Studies program provides students with the essential knowledge and hands-on experience to thrive in various careers within the craft beverage industry. This interdisciplinary program combines scientific thinking with business, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles, while also addressing the legal, ethical, social, and historical aspects of alcohol consumption and its effects on communities and economies.
Brewing and distilling have been an important part of the history and culture of the Appalachian region for more than 250 years. In the 18th-century, the earliest European settlers brought these practices with them to what was colonial America’s first frontier. Scottish, Irish, and Scots-Irish immigrants brought a strong distilling tradition, while English and German settlers primarily brought traditions in brewing. Though driven underground during Prohibition in the early 20th century, these practices continued to flourish. Recent decades have seen phenomenal growth in the legal brewing and distilling industries in the southern Appalachians, becoming a major part of economic development in the region.
The program emphasizes strong partnerships with local businesses and a deep connection to the Appalachian region’s rich cultural heritage. In collaboration with local industry leaders such as Tennessee Hills Brewing and Distilling, and Yee-Haw Brewing Company, East Tennessee State University equips students with the practical training and industry insights needed to succeed in one of the region's fastest-growing sectors. Students will gain practical skills through classroom instruction, internships, and other real-world learning opportunities, allowing them to apply their creativity and scientific expertise to become responsible and innovative leaders in the craft beverage industry.
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Brewing & Distillation Studies Minor
This 21-credit minor provides students the knowledge and practical skills for success in various career areas in the craft beverage industry. Through classroom work and internship experiences, as well as other experiential learning opportunities, students learn to apply creativity and scientific knowledge to become well-rounded and responsible practitioners in the industry. This minor is taken as part of a four-year degree program and can be an excellent complement to a wide range of majors, including Management, Marketing, Media and Communication, Chemistry, Finance, History, Supply Chain Management, and Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies.
Required Core Courses: 9 credits
BRDS 3000 - Foundations of Brewing and Distillation Studies (3 credits)
BRDS 3950 - Introduction to Brewing and Distillation Science (3 credits)
BRDS 4000 - Brewing and Distillation Studies Internship (3 credits)
Advisor Approved Elective Courses: 12 credits
(Select from the following)
ADVR 3100 - Principles of Brand Communication (3 credits)
APST 2060 - Introduction to Appalachian Studies (3 credits)
APST 4957 - Special Topics in Appalachian Studies (1-3 credits) *
BRDS 3303 - Brewing and Distillation Studies Abroad (3 credits)
BRDS 4900 - Independent Study (1-3 credits)
ENTP 1955 - Entrepreneurial Mindset (3 credits)
ENTP 3005 - Entrepreneurship Innovation Lab (3 credits)
MCOM 2100 - Media Writing (3 credits)
MGMT 4617 - Small Business Management (3 credits)
MKTG 3200 - Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
MKTG 3210 - Fundamentals of Distribution (3 credits)
For more information about specific requirements, see the ETSU Catalog.
Brewing & Distillation Studies Certificate
This 10-credit undergraduate certificate provides students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, who are not pursuing one, or who are already working in the field the opportunity to earn a credential in the growing craft beverage industry. The certificate is designed to provide students with foundational interdisciplinary knowledge that will help them as owners, managers, or employees in the brewing and distillation arena.
Required Courses (7 Credits)
BRDS 3000 - Foundations of Brewing and Distillation Studies (3 credits)
BRDS 3950 - Introduction to Brewing and Distillation Science (3 credits)
CDST 4950 - Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies (1-3 credits)
Advisor Approved Elective: (3 credits)
Choose one of the following:
ADVR 3100 - Principles of Brand Communication (3 credits)
ENTP 1955 - Entrepreneurial Mindset (3 credits)
ENTP 3005 - Entrepreneurship Innovation Lab (3 credits)
FNCE 2040 - Business and Financial Literacy for the Non-Specialist (3 credits)
For more information about specific requirements, see the ETSU Catalog.
