Back to school? Ohio’s Lourdes University offers four-year degree in Craft Beverages that also studies abroad in Ireland

Ten miles from Toledo proper, Lourdes University is a 1,300-plus student college in Sylvania, Ohio. The university has a Catholic Franciscan tradition and popular degrees range from nursing to business administration to criminal justice and social work. Recently adding to the college’s allure, Lourdes University announced a Bachelor of Science in Craft Beverages. It’s a whopping four-year program with three internships, and one of those internships will be through the University’s Irish study abroad program (Galway). The degree will focus on beer, spirits and wine.

On its news page, the university says it’s “the first higher education institution in the United States to offer such a comprehensive bachelor’s degree program.” They call it the “The Full Bodied Degree,” which is notably awesome. From the news page:

“Lourdes has designed a program that has contemporary curriculum supported by experiences in the industry. Our brewing and vineyard partners are excited to work with our students and provide them with the professional skills and knowledge needed to be successful,” adds [Vice President for Academic Affairs Terry M.] Keller.

What’s all in this Full Bodied Degree?

From the news page: Students can complete the program in four years with three internships, one which will be through the University’s Irish study abroad program and other opportunities across the U.S. Brewing and vineyard internship partners include Inside the Five, Black Cloister, Twin Oast, Upside, Heidelberg Distributing, select vineyards in California, and Galway Hooker and Nephin Distillery in Galway, Ireland.

Inside the classroom, students will benefit from extensive courses on the artisanship, science, sustainability and business operation of the craft beverages industry. In line with the University’s Franciscan values, the curriculum instills in students and future craft beverage professionals the importance of a respectful approach to the industry in regards to responsible drinking.

Those interested in the Bachelor of Science in Craft Beverages program, can contact an Admissions Counselor at 419-885-5291, or [email protected].