Master of Professional Studies in Wine and Beverage Management

Program Details

Cost $4,740 per course

Next Start Date September 8, 2026

Degree Master

Format Online

Duration 2 years

Credit Hours 30 credits

Program Guide Download

Full Program Details

Distinguish yourself from a standard sommelier certificate with a Master’s in Wine and Beverage Management from CIA School of Graduate and Professional Studies. In this one-of-a-kind wine business degree program, you’ll hone your wine tasting and theory skills while developing a rich repertoire of business management, industry innovation, and leadership competencies so that you can chart your own fulfilling career in the wine industry.

Why Culinary Institute of America?

Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees with majors in Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, Culinary Science, Culinary Therapeutics, Food Business, Food Studies and Sustainability, Hospitality Management, and Wine and Beverage Management. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 55,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

You must be at least 21 years of age. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or hold an international equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. You must be able to receive shipments of alcoholic tasting kits. International students will need U.S. shipping address that allows for alcohol delivery. Alcohol delivery restrictions vary by state.

Curriculum

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Wine and Beverage Management degree program is offered through the CIA's School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The core of this program involves instruction in those topics critical to professionals working in this area of the industry and will enhance prior education in areas of hospitality management, culinary arts, or other related fields.

The program provides a comprehensive study of wines and beverages of the world, including grape varieties, winemaking practices, wine laws, global beverage regions, sensory analysis, contemporary business practices, and distribution channels. Through a combination of online coursework, in-person residencies, and a final capstone project, students develop the technical, analytical, and managerial skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the evolving wine and beverage industry.

What You'll Learn

• Demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in sensory analysis of wines, distilled spirits, and fermented and non-fermented beverages.

• Analyze similarities and differences between major wine and selected beverage producing regions of the world.

• Analyze complex business issues specifically related to wine and beverages and recommend solutions.

• Examine the synergies between food and beverage – focusing on key processes such as marketing, distribution and retail.

• Develop effective management strategies for relationships with vintners, distillers, distributors, retailers and beverage leaders throughout the United States.

• Demonstrate effective communication skills through collegial online discussion posts, peer reviewing, and developed scholarly writing.