Wine Studies, BS Core
This Interdisciplinary Program provides students with a broad understanding of the wine industry. The program prepares graduates for careers in wine marketing, direct to consumer sales, distribution, compliance, and consulting.
In the major, students complete 48 major core credits to acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills related to wine, wine business, and the wine industry. Students will also select an area of specialization (Wine Industry Management- 29 credits or Global Wine Studies- 28 credits) to enhance their base knowledge from the core. Students will also gain valuable experience by participating in a required international field experience and an internship with a wine-related business, either in the U.S. or abroad. Students in Wine Studies will be expected to participate in outside the classroom on projects, field trips, and assignments.
Admission Requirements
Students must complete the pre-admission requirements prior to admission into the degree program. An overall minimum 2.5 GPA will be required for admission. Students must fill out an application that includes an essay of motivation and goals. Upon approval of the application, an in-person or telephone interview will be conducted between the advisor for the global wine studies major and the prospective student. Permission of the major advisor is required. Upon admittance to the program students must agree to sign a written statement regarding professional conduct and responsibility.
Students must be 18 years of age to apply for the major. It should be understood that all classroom courses involving tasting will require students to taste and spit (Washington State legislation RCW 66.20.010 (12) a-f).
Course Requirements
Students will be expected to spend significant amounts of time outside the classroom on projects, field trips, and assignments. Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the wine studies core courses.
Tuition
Wine Studies (WINE) course tuition is the same as the regular CWU tuition for undergraduates. Some courses have lab fees to cover additional costs.
Graduation Requirements
Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the wine studies core courses.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals, issues and financial aspects of viticulture and enology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of grape varietals and wine styles in wine regions around the world. Students will demonstrate an understanding of consumption patterns, regulations, classifications, trade structured and international agreements.
- Develop a branding, marketing and PR plan for a business in the wine industry. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of financial issues, investments, global markets and distribution systems
- Professionally evaluate a wine using sensory and organoleptic techniques to assess quality, wine faults, and commercial placement. Students will be able to perform a number of basic wine analysis tests and understand their results.
- Through a study abroad program, students will learn about different practices and issues in an international wine region.
Wine Studies Core Courses