Viticulture & Enology
The Department of Viticulture and Enology is a comprehensive education, research and extension program that prepares students for successful careers in the wine industry and supports winemakers and grape growers globally. Enhanced by renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the V&E Department takes a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach, offering students technical, scientific, and practical experience.
Degree Options
Viticulture & Enology Undergraduate Major
The Viticulture and Enology major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of both the science of growing grapevines and the science of winemaking. The program emphasizes applying critical thinking and problem-solving to address issues facing the global viticulture and enology industry. Students will demonstrate technical competence in viticulture and enology, especially as it relates to plant health, fruit composition, winemaking practices, and the chemical, microbiological, and sensory analysis of wines. They will evaluate and adapt foundational viticultural and enological practices to be environmentally and socially equitable. The program also promotes and values life-long learning through engagement with government agencies, university research and extension, and industry in a professional manner.
Viticulture & Enology MS
The Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology offers an immersive graduate experience in the heart of Washington wine country. Students combine advanced scientific training with hands-on research, specialized facilities, and direct connections to one of the nation’s most innovative grape and wine regions. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in vineyard and winery research, production management, technical services, laboratories, consulting, education, extension, and allied industries. The program also provides strong preparation for doctoral study and other advanced scientific or professional pathways.
MS or PhD in Horticulture
The MS and PhD degrees in Horticulture are research based degrees that offer students the opportunity to focus on projects related to viticulture and enology. The objectives for the MS degree are to train students in the experimental method and to prepare them for handling major projects after graduation or for entering a doctoral program. All doctoral candidates conduct independent research leading to a dissertation, with the goal of making a significant contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in Horticulture.
Viticulture & Enology Certificate Programs
The Department of Viticulture & Enology offers non-credit professional certificates in Viticulture, Enology, and Brewing, taught by Washington State University faculty and industry leaders. Designed for both industry professionals and enthusiasts, these programs provide in-depth education in grape growing, winemaking, and brewing through a combination of flexible online coursework and hands-on learning experiences. The Viticulture and Enology certificates are completed over 20 months, while the Brewing Certificate is completed over 12 months. Required weekend camps provide practical experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to connect with instructors, fellow participants, and professionals in the field.
Brewing Certificate Program
This non-credit professional certificate offers comprehensive training for careers in brewing, covering topics from grain handling and production to brewery design, regulation, and business operations. Taught by beer industry leaders, this 12-month program includes flexible online courses that fit any schedule. Additionally, two required weekend camps provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities, held at various partner sites around the state of Washington.