Quick Facts
Cost – $5,995 if paid in full, $6,390 if paid in 3 installments of $2,130 each.
Length – 20 months, starting every February
What to Expect
The Viticulture Certificate consists of 11 courses, and 3 grape camps. Click here to see program schedule.
Attendance at the three ‘Grape Camps’ is required for successful completion of the certificate. At these camps there are hands-on activities, classroom activities, lectures and discussions, and vineyard visits. These weekends are highly praised by students for the valuable networking that occurs between instructors, students, and industry professionals.
You will be given access to the program website with syllabi, lectures, lecture notes, lecture slides, internet links, exams and course evaluations. On a discussion board, participants share information about themselves, discuss topics of their choice, and discuss assignment questions. High-speed, reliable internet is required to access the program.
Course lengths vary with topic. Some may be 2-3 months; others require less time. The time allotted for exams is 2 weeks and format varies. The amount of time spent on a course will vary with the content and the participant’s background, but it is estimated that you should plan on spending approximately 10 hours/week on the program.
Textbooks
The program will provide textbooks. Textbooks are either printed or digital depending on the course and availability. Physical copies will be mailed to each student at the provided address prior to the launch of a new course. Similarly, students will receive links to download digital copies prior to the launch of a new course. Foreign students will be required to pay for any additional taxes through customs, if required.
World-Class Professors
The courses are taught by WSU viticulture and enology professors and industry experts, all actively working in their specialty, teaching and conducting research.
Cost and Length
The registration fee is $5,995 if paid in full, or $6,390 if paid in 3 installments of $2,130 each. A new class starts every February 1st and runs for 20 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are Financial Aid or Scholarships available for the certificate programs?
A. No, you will not receive academic credits or pay ‘tuition’ to a state university. You are paying a fee to participate in an Extension program, therefore, Financial Aid and Scholarships are not available.
Q. Can I use VA Benefits to pay for the program?
A. No, the certificate program is an Extension program which does not offer college credits or lead to a degree, therefore it does not qualify for VA Benefits.
Q. Is the registration fee tax deductible like college tuition?
A. No, for the same reasons as the above two questions, the registration fee does not qualify for a tuition deduction. However, it may qualify as a business education deduction if you have a business. You should talk to a tax accountant regarding the business deduction.
Q. Will I have access to the WSU Library system?
A. No, for the same reasons as above, however, you will receive an online subscription to the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture.
Q. Will I get a student card to use for student discounts?
A. No, student cards are not provided to extension program participants.
Q. How much time should I plan on spending on the program?
A. The time commitment for the program will vary with each participant depending on background, education and/or winemaking experience. It will vary from a few hours a week to 10 hours a week. It will also vary depending on the course content, with some courses being more demanding than others.
Q. Can I turn in an assignment late?
A. All assignments have expected due dates, but under extreme circumstances, an extension may be requested from the instructor.
Q. I will be traveling during the exam. Can I take it early?
A. No, you cannot take it early, but with advance approval from the instructor you may receive an extension to take it the following week.
Q. How long do I have to take an exam?
A. Exams are usually open for 2 weeks. The due dates for assignments and written exams are on the course syllabus. You will be responsible to print out the syllabus and stay on top of due dates.
Q. How long will I be able to view lectures?
A. All course lectures will remain open throughout the program. Your program homepage will close one month after the end of the last class.
Viticulture Certificate Wait List
There is a wait list for the Viticulture Certificate. Depending on the month you put your name on the list, it could be 1-2 years until you are notified. You will be notified of availability in the fall prior to the available class. The class size is a maximum of 35. If you do not make it into the next class, you will be notified and your name will be rolled over to the following year.
There is a non-refundable fee of $50 to put your name on the wail list. Once notified of class availability, you may chose to roll your name over for another year.
Priority Enrollment
Those currently working in the Washington State Grapes and Wine Industries have priority status for enrollment. Please put the winery or vineyard name in the ‘company’ line on the wait list form.
Viticulture Certificate Refund Policy
Non-refundable Fee Structure: Non-refundable Amount
Cancellations (before start): $200.00
Start to 2 weeks: $500.00
>2 weeks – 7 months: $2,130
>7 – 12 months: $4,260
> 12 months: $5,995
For more information
Contact the Certificate Program Coordinator at ve.certificate@wsu.edu or 509-372-7530.
