Craft Distillery Specialized Diploma
Program Overview
Northampton Community College's Craft Distillery degree is a unique program that combines agriculture, science, and education to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing craft beverage industry. Through hands-on labs and practical experiences, students learn the entire process of distilling, from grain to glass, and gain essential knowledge from industry expert instructors. The program also includes opportunities for students to take the Level 1 Award in Spirits through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
- Northampton Community College offers a unique degree in Craft Distillery, the only one in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions that allows students to learn from “grain to glass.”
- The craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing industry segments that hosts a variety of different job opportunities.
Objectives:
- The specialized degree of craft distilling combines agriculture, science, and education.
- Learn fermentation, distilling, proofing, aging, bottling, and product evaluation through NCC’s one-year credit program.
- The specialized diploma addresses legal requirements within the craft distilling industry.
- Students will study from industry expert instructors and gain essential information on making spirits through a series of labs, hands-on, and practical experiences.
- Students have the opportunity to take the Level 1 Award in Spirits through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Program Features:
- Industry Partners: Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, County Seat Spirits, Doan Distillery, Silverback Distillery, Wardog Spirits Distillery, Franklin Hill Vineyards, McCall Collective Brewing Company, and Barley Creek Brewing Company
Outline:
First Semester:
- COLS101: College Success (1 credit)
- DSTL101: Foundations of Distillation Operations (3 credits)
- CRFT140: Fundamentals of Beer, Wine, and Spirits (3 credits)
- CRFT160: Craft Fermentation Production (3 credits)
- CRFT170: Craft Beverage Sales and Distribution (3 credits)
Second Semester:
- CHEM105: Chemistry in Contemporary Society (4 credits)
- DSTL111: Quality Control and Beverage Sensory Analysis (1.5 credits)
- DSTL121: Craft Beverage Compliance (3 credits)
- DSTL131: Distillery and Maturation Operation (3 credits)
Teaching:
- Students will study from industry expert instructors.
- The program includes a series of labs, hands-on, and practical experiences.
Careers:
- Potential career paths:
- Brewer
- Distiller
- Distilling Apprentice
- Maltster
- Process Engineer
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control
- Production Planner
- Supply Chain Management
- Tasting Room Manager
- Sales & Marketing
- Career opportunities:
- The craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing industry segments that hosts a variety of different job opportunities.
Northampton Community College
Overview:
Northampton Community College (NCC) is a public community college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. NCC is known for its affordability and commitment to student success.
Services Offered:
NCC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Academic Support:
Resources like tutoring, writing centers, and learning labs to enhance academic performance.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students finance their education.Career Development:
Assistance with career exploration, job search, and resume building.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for personal growth.Library Services:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and technology resources.Health and Wellness:
Counseling services, health clinics, and wellness programs to support student well-being.Technology Help:
Technical support and resources for students to utilize technology effectively.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NCC offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend social events, and engage in extracurricular activities. The college also provides opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
NCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region, offering significant savings compared to other institutions.High-Quality Education:
NCC provides a rigorous and relevant curriculum, preparing students for successful careers or further education.Student Support:
The college offers a wide range of services and resources to support student success, both academically and personally.Flexible Learning Options:
NCC offers a variety of class formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional, to accommodate diverse student needs.Transfer Options:
NCC has transfer agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities, making it easy for students to continue their education.Academic Programs:
NCC offers over 120 programs of study across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.Business and Technology:
Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, and more.Health Sciences:
Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and more.Public Safety:
Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and more.Trades and Skilled Crafts:
Automotive Technology, Welding, and more.Other:
NCC has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The college also has a robust alumni network, providing opportunities for networking and career advancement.
