Brewing Innovation Minor
Where Science Meets the Art of Brewing
The Brewing Innovation Minor uses brewing as a hands-on, interdisciplinary platform to teach design thinking and the innovation process, equipping students with transferable skills to develop, prototype, and communicate impactful ideas across any field.
Creativity and Craft
Discover how science, creativity, and brewing come together to spark innovation—watch the Brewing Innovation video and see the process in action.
Real-World Brewing Experience
Students participate in collaborative, experiential brewing projects that emphasize both the scientific method and creative exploration, producing tangible results they can taste, analyze, and iterate on.
Learn by Doing with Real Brewing Projects
In these hands-on brewing projects, students actively design, test, and refine their beers.
Professional Brewing Systems
Access to the Fermentation Innovation Lab provides professional brewing systems, precise fermentation control, and analytical tools in a real-world environment.
Learn the Science Behind Taste and Flavor
Through hands-on experimentation and analytical techniques, learn how scientific principles translate into sensory experience, empowering you to intentionally design and refine flavor, appearance, and overall quality.
What Students are Saying
Hear from students about their experience in the Brewing Innovation Minor.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Jessica Martinez
"The Knight Campus program opened doors I never knew existed. My internship at Intel turned into a full-time position!"
GREAT COMMUNITY
David Nguyen
"The combination of technical training and professional development skills gave me a competitive edge in the job market."
CREATED GROWTH MINDSET
Aisha Patel
"Working with my cohort and mentors has been transformative. We're not just classmates—we're a community."
INTERDISIPINARY EXPERIENCE
Michael Chen
"The hands-on research opportunities and industry connections made this program an invaluable investment in my future."
Course Sequence
For the cohort beginning Spring 2026
Term | Spring 2026 | Fall 2026 | Winter 2027 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BRIN Course | 221 | 322 | 323 | 424 |
Day & Time of Class | M & W | T 3:30 - 5:20 PM | T 3:30 - 5:20 PM | T 3:30 - 5:20 PM |
Brew Day(s)* | Week 5 Friday** | Week 1 | Week 1 | Week 2 |
* Brew days begin between 8:00 and 10:00 AM and last approximately 5 hours. You will need to be available for the full session during your brew day.
** We will meet in BRIN 221 on Friday of Week 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Brewing Innovation minor.
Do I have to be over 21 to participate in the minor?
No. The state of Oregon allows students who are 18 years or older to participate, including tasting beers, in our courses. We expect all participants in the program to act responsibly and adhere to all course policies.
Do I need previous experience with beer or brewing?
No. Through the courses in the minor, we will help you develop your abilities to taste and evaluate beers and learn basic and advanced brewing techniques.
Who is eligible?
Any student who has completed at least one academic year at university and has a minimum of four academic terms remaining until degree completion. The course sequence runs from Spring of one year through Spring of the following academic year.
How does the selection process work?
There will be an application process each year.
How do I apply?
To indicate your interest in the minor, complete the general interest form, and attend an info session or contact the BRIN advisor at brewinginnovation@uoregon.edu.
What obligations will I have outside the scheduled class sessions?
The brewing process takes longer than can be accommodated in a two-hour class. Each course includes at least one brew session (three for BRIN 322) conducted on Fridays lasting about five hours. Students with conflicts must make arrangements to participate, as Brew Days are required. Dates and times are posted on the courses page. Additionally, open lab periods throughout the week allow students to prepare materials and monitor fermentations, scheduled to accommodate students’ availability.
Still Have Questions?
Our program advisors are here to help. Contact us to learn more about the Brewing Innovation minor: brewinginnovation@uoregon.edu
Join Us
Connect with us at one of our upcoming events.
Info Session
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST
Virtual via Zoom
Hear from Knight Campus alumni about their career journeys and get your questions answered.
Brewing Showcase
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST
Knight Campus, Room 150
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring cutting-edge genomics research.
Eugene Beer Week
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
Virtual via Zoom
Learn about the application process, funding, and meet faculty and students.
See What's Happening
Explore the latest stories, events, and achievements across our program.
Ready to Start Brewing?
Join the next generation of fermentation scientists and brewing innovators. Applications are now open for the upcoming cohort.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2026 | Start Date: June 2026