Flathead Valley Community College Launches Montana's First Brewing Science and Brewery Operations Program

  • 06/01/15

KALISPELL, MT – This fall, Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) will introduce Montana’s first brewing science and brewery operations program to prepare individuals for entry-level careers in the rapidly growing craft beer industry. With only a handful of these programs taught in the nation, FVCC’s program was developed with the input of many local craft brewing businesses to meet the workforce needs at the local and national levels.

According to the Craft Brewers Association, the craft beer industry is growing at a rate of 17 percent annually, currently representing 20 percent of the market share in national beer sales. It is estimated that a new craft brewery opens every 16 hours in the United States and over 115,000 craft brewing industry jobs were created across the nation in 2014. Montana ranks among the top five states in craft breweries per capita.

Students who successfully complete the two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program will have gained practical experience in brewing through coursework and internships at Montana breweries. Graduates will have the skills to demonstrate the fundamental techniques of brewing beer and the understanding of the microbiology and biochemistry concepts involved in beer fermentation. The program also will focus on the production, selection and analysis of brewing materials, including malt and hops; evaluation of beer quality; classification of beer style and characteristics; brewery operations safety; packaging and handling technologies; practical aspects of the brewing process; and business principles, including compliance and licensing.

Featured

  • bar graph with the bars made out of abstract cinder blocks and other construction materials

    Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in K–12: Materials & Construction

    With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in K–12 materials and construction from the experts in the trenches.

  • New Jersey PreK–12 School Breaks Ground on New STEM Building

    Saddle River Day School (SRDS) in Saddle River, N.J., recently announced that it has broken ground on the new Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship, according to a news release. The school partnered with DIGroup Architecture for the design of the new facility, which will provide the school with space to expand its STEM and business education classes.

  • Illinois Elementary School Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion

    Heather Hill Elementary School, part of Flossmoor School District 161 in Palatine, Ill., recently broke ground on a new addition to the school focused on student support and security, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers for the expansion as part of a longer-term facility planning and modernization initiative.

  • Shaping Campus Identity: The Crucial Role of Landscape Architecture in Campus Design

    Landscape architecture plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience, functionality, and identity of college and university campuses. The design and layout of outdoor spaces influence everything from the interactions between students to the ease with which people navigate the campus. A thoughtfully designed campus provides not only a functional environment for daily activities but also a space that inspires academic success and fosters personal growth.