FAQs

Can the Beer School courses be taken anywhere, including outside the U.S.?

Yes! All of the Beer School courses are 100% online and can be taken anywhere.

Does the tuition rate differ if I am an out-of-state or international student?

The tuition rate is set at $750 for all students and does not differ based on a student’s residency.

Are materials included? If yes, will they all be housed on the online site?

Yes, all course materials are included in the price and materials can be accessed through the online platform Blackboard.

What is the time commitment per week?

On average, you should anticipate 5 hours per week.

Will I receive a Business of Craft Beer Program Certificate for taking Beer School courses?

No, in order to receive a Business of Craft Beer Professional Certificate and become an alum of the certificate program, you must successfully complete (receive a 70% or better) three of the eight-week courses. The eight-week courses are as follows: Marketing and Branding Your Brewery, Distribution and Sales in Craft Beer, Digital Marketing and Social Media Promotion in Craft Beer, Brewery Finance and Accounting, and Business Operations in Craft Beer.

Upon successful completion (receiving a 70% or better) of any of our Beer School courses, you will receive a certificate of completion for that course.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on your participation in the discussion boards, completion of assignments, and comprehension of the course material. In order to receive an electronic Certificate of Completion, students must receive a 70% or better in the course. Because this is a Non-Credit professional program, there is no transcript.

Do you have to be 21 years of age or older to enroll in the Beer School courses?

No, you do not be to be 21 years of age or older in order to take any of the Beer School courses.

Do I need any prior knowledge of beer brewing or are there any pre-requisites for the Beer School courses?

There is no specific coursework required prior to entry in one of our Beer School courses. Primarily, we want you to be enthusiastic about the craft beer industry and engaged and interested in learning the business side of craft beer.

Are the complementary Cicerone® Certification Program courses available for the Beer School courses?

No, the courses for the Cicerone® Certification Program are only complementary for the 8-week courses for Business of Craft Beer Professional Certificate program, not for any of the Beer School courses.

Will I receive any Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the Beer School courses?

No, the Beer School courses are not certified to have CEUs. However, the eight-week Business of Craft Beer Certificate courses are certified to have 7 CEUs each, which means the Business of Craft Beer Professional Certificate is 21 CEUs.

What is the payment policy for this program?

Students may register by paying the full program fee $750 online via credit card or by calling us at 802-656-8407 to make a partial payment of $500. Should you make a partial payment, the remaining $250 must be paid in full no later than two weeks prior to the start of this offering. If payment is not received by then, you will automatically be dropped from the course the following business day. Refunds will be issued less a $25.00 cancellation fee.

What is the refund policy for this program?

If you need to cancel your attendance, you must notify us via email at noncredit@uvm.edu or call us at (802) 656-8407 at least three business days prior to the start date of the course to receive a full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. If a medical condition necessitates cancellation/withdrawal (documentation provided), this will be reviewed by our Studies Committee for any type of refund.

Are payment plans available?

Payment plans are not currently available for the Beer School courses. Tuition must be paid in full two weeks prior to beginning the program.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, there is 20% discount for alumni of our Business of Craft Beer Certificate program. If you are an alum of the Business of Craft Beer Certificate Program, you may select the 20% discount option available during registration.

Can I use VA Benefits, military tuition assistance, GI Bill, or VA Fry grant to pay for the Beer School courses?

No, these courses have not been certified for VA benefits. The Business of Craft Beer Professional Certificate program has been approved for VA benefits.

Will I receive a 1098-T for Beer School?

1098-T forms are not issued for Beer School courses. However, you may be eligible for a tax credit without this form if you meet IRS requirements. For more information, please see this link https://www.irs.gov/individuals/llc or consult with a tax professional.

If you are interested in enrolling, fill out the form to the right. If you have any questions, please contact our enrollment advisors at 802-656-2085. We are here to help!