WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Master Brewers Association of the Americas has recognized Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing and fermentation science degree as one of only 12 approved programs — and the only approved program in the U.S. Northeast.
Established in 1887, MBAA is a nonprofit, professional, scientific organization dedicated to advancing brewing, fermentation and related industries. A globally recognized authority on brewing, the international association has more than 4,000 members in over 50 countries.
“The Master Brewers Association of the Americas is the standard bearer for the ‘success through knowledge’ foundation on which we have built Penn College’s brewing and fermentation science program,” said Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing and fermentation science. “It is extremely gratifying to have our efforts validated by such a venerable and esteemed association of professional brewers and brewing scientists. As we continue to grow and develop this program, I look forward to helping ensure that our work aligns with the MBAA’s high standards.”
Through its higher education initiative, the association promotes and supports high quality in brewing and fermentation science two- and four-year programs through the development of curriculum standards and learning outcomes and formally recognizing educational programs meeting that criteria.
Other approved MBAA programs are in California; Colorado; Florida; Illinois; Michigan; North Carolina; Oregon; Virginia; Washington; and British Columbia, Canada.
Penn College’s brewing and fermentation science major launched in fall 2017, with classes and labs held in an industry-standard instructional space in the Hager Lifelong Education Center.
“To be recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas in only our second year speaks to the quality of our brewing and fermentation science program and is quite an honor,” said Michael J. Reed, dean of Penn College’s School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications. “I am proud of our faculty and humbled by this recognition. Mr. Yarrington and Dr. Ingram (Justin M. Ingram, assistant professor of biology) routinely put forth extensive effort to work collaboratively with industry experts to ensure our students are prepared for this dynamic and fast-growing, $23.5 billion field.”
A response to the craft brewing industry’s need for skilled employees, Penn College’s major combines the science, technology and management skills required to meet the growing consumer demand for unique craft beers.
As part of the college’s MBAA recognition, students enrolled in the brewing and fermentation science major receive a complimentary student membership in the association, providing them with additional resources and contacts to support their learning and growth.
To learn more about the brewing and fermentation science degree, visit www.pct.edu/brewing.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.