College Brewing Programs Face Closures Amid Industry Challenges

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Several college brewing programs have been shut down in recent years, including at the University of Northern Colorado, the State University of New York in Morrisville, the University of California, San Diego, and Dakota County Technical College. Experts cite declining enrollment, budget deficits, and broader challenges facing the craft brewing industry as factors behind these program closures. However, some remain optimistic that brewing education will continue to evolve and adapt to changing trends.

Why it matters

The closure of these college brewing programs raises concerns about the future pipeline of skilled brewers entering the industry. As the craft beer market faces headwinds, the loss of hands-on training opportunities could impact the industry's ability to innovate and adapt. However, some educators believe brewing education will find new ways to thrive, even as the landscape shifts.

The details

The University of Northern Colorado abruptly ended its brewing laboratory science program mid-semester, leaving students unable to complete their minors. Other schools, like the State University of New York in Morrisville and the University of California, San Diego, have also shuttered their brewing courses in recent years. Experts cite declining undergraduate enrollment, budget deficits, and challenges facing the broader craft brewing industry as factors behind these program closures. Federal funding for alcohol-related education has also become more scarce. At the same time, hands-on brewing programs require significant investments in specialized equipment, ingredients, lab space, and trained faculty.

• In 2019, the State University of New York, Morrisville shut down its teaching brewery and ended plans to offer a four-year brewing degree.
• A few years later, in the early 2020s, the University of California, San Diego ended its brewing courses after a decade.
• Most recently, in 2026, the University of Northern Colorado ended its brewing laboratory science program mid-term.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Experts say the brewing industry will need to continue innovating and adapting to appeal to younger, health-conscious consumers. Schools with established brewing programs, like the University of California, Davis, are working to find ways to overcome regulatory hurdles and provide hands-on education despite declining interest in alcohol consumption among Gen Z.