Finally, You Really Can Major in Beer in College

You can now major in beer in college

Yes, really. This only-in-Michigan news out of Ferris State University is no fraternity prank.

The Big Rapids university is, ahem, hopping on the craft beer boom with its first-in-the-nation associate’s degree in the brew industry, one of Michigan’s economic bright spots in

According to its preliminary curriculum approval form, breweries and brewpubs are the fastest growing segment within the restaurant industry.

There are about 180 craft brewers in Michigan, where the industry grew 30 percent from 2013 to 2014, outpacing growth nationwide. Additionally, the Michigan breweries saw a 22 percent increase in sales in 2014, when they produced 22.2 million barrels of brew.

Ferris said adding the degree will “bring national attention to Ferris and increased distinctiveness to the FSU Hospitality Management program.”

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“Traditional students are and will be drawn to the distinctiveness of the degree program, the quality of programming, and the high availability of jobs within the craft beer industry,” Ferris’ curriculum document says.

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