What Major for Brewing Beer?
In addition to biology and chemistry–the “right” answers provided already–make sure you take some business courses. It’s one thing to know the science behind the beer. But it’s another thing to open a microbrewery. You’d be running a business, and your product would be beer. But the business model has to work, and you’ll have to cope with all sorts of business-related issues, from marketing/advertising to finances to personnel management, and on and on. Even an MBA would be a good idea. Choose a school that (as part of the MBA process) involves making a business plan. Your business plan would be the microbrewery. And, for your electives, take classes in chemistry and biology. Hope that helps.
I heard of people majoring in Beer drinking, getting an honorary degree post-humorously. In the US, there are not many dedicated Brewing schools. UC Davis Extension has a short course in Brewing, and UC Davis also offers degrees in winery management, etc. To get a feel for the process, you can get started extract brewing small 5 gallon batches for about $200 in equipment. Each 5 gallon batch yields about 48 12 oz. bottles, costing around $15 in ingredients. If your thinking of opening a brewery or any business, a business degree would also be helpful.
