It is possible to earn a certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a wine-related topic. There are both two-year colleges and four-year universities that offer relevant programs.
10 Schools with Wine Programs
Students can find relevant wine education at these schools:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees (in-state, 2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California - Davis | Davis, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | $13,951 (undergraduate) $13,164 (graduate) |
| University of Missouri - Columbia | Columbia, MO | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $9,509 (undergraduate) |
| Washington State University | Pullman, WA | 4-year, Public | Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's | $11,967 (undergraduate) $12,745 (graduate) |
| California State University - Fresno | Fresno, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $6,311 (undergraduate) |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $10,107 (undergraduate) $13,722 (graduate) |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $49,116 (undergraduate) $29,581 (graduate) |
| Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park, CA | 4-year, Public | Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's | $7,330 (undergraduate) $8,596 (graduate) |
| Boston University Metropolitan College | Boston, MA | 4-year, Private | Certificate | $7,200 (total for 4-course program)** |
| San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 4-year, Public | Certificate | $6,976 |
| Chemeketa Community College | Salem, OR | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate | $4,230 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **School Website
School Selection Criteria
When looking at potential wine schools, it is important to keep these points in mind.
- Some programs focus more heavily on the scientific aspects of winemaking, while others emphasize the business side of the wine industry. Students should choose between programs based on their academic interests.
- The region and location of the school will dictate the type of grape and wine that students will primarily work with, so prospective students should look for schools in settings where they might like to pursue careers in the future.
- It can be helpful for students to find out about the school's winemaking and laboratory facilities in order to make sure they will have access to industry-standard equipment and the latest research technologies.
- Students who are considering research-based graduate programs should make sure that there are faculty members at the school with whom they share research interests.
Associate's Degree Programs
There are several wine-related associate's degree options. Students may find two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in winemaking, vineyard management or wine business. In these programs, students typically take basic courses in plant science and the wine industry alongside general education courses. They may also complete an internship or cooperative work experience.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are available in wine business or in viticulture and enology. Business-focused programs provide an introduction to economic and marketing principles in the wine industry, while viticulture and enology programs are geared toward students who want to learn about the food science aspects of winemaking, such as vine physiology and chemistry. Students may be required to complete an internship and/or complete a final capstone project prior to graduation.
Master's Degree Programs
Like bachelor's degree programs, master's degree programs may focus more heavily on the business or the science aspects of wine. In Master of Science (MS) in Viticulture and Enology programs, students take advanced science classes in topics such as microbiology and food chemistry, and they complete a thesis project in a specific topic of interest. Alternatively, students may pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Wine Business. These programs combine a core of advanced business courses with wine-specific electives in topics such as global wine distribution and brand management.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Like MS programs, PhD in Viticulture and Enology programs include graduate-level wine-related coursework and advanced research opportunities. However, they have more extensive requirements and culminate in a final dissertation and oral defense.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs typically provide a basic introduction to a particular subject within the field, such as viticulture, enology or wine marketing. They allow individuals to gain formal education in the field without committing to a full degree program. Some are available in online formats in order to accommodate the needs of working professionals.
Wine programs confer associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates in wine-related topics. The location of the school and the student's career goals are key considerations when choosing a program.
