A Unique Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Global Wine Studies (GWS) is an accredited, four year academic degree. The GWS degree utilizes an innovative, cross-disciplinary approach to instruction creating a degree unlike any in the nation. The degree is structured with a focus on the international trade aspects of the wine industry. Students complete major coursework in GWS (51 credits) to acquire a broad base of skills and knowledge in the wine industry.

Core topics of major coursework include:

Global Wine Regions
Marketing and Branding Strategies
International Wine Trade
Professional Sensory Analysis
Viticulture and Enology Fundamentals

For the full curriculum click here

Study Abroad: The required study abroad allows students to participate in an international field experience in one of the world's wine producing regions. The field experience is structured to maximize the learning experience through site visits, tours, and presentations. To view a collection of photos from past study abroad trips and future locations click here

Internship: The required internship is an educational plan designed to integrate classroom study with planned, supervised, and evaluated work experience in the wine industry. The internship offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to combine career, social, and personal growth with the educational process. For complete details click here

Minor: Students also complete a required minor (25 to 36 credits) from one of several academic areas that compliment the student’s interest area and career goals. Permission by major advisor is needed to apply for a minor. Examples of minors include: Business, Retail Management and Technology, Foreign Languages, Economics, and Tourism Management.

Who is it for?

The Global Wine Studies degree is for anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in the wine industry. CWU encourages international students, veterans, and working professionals to apply as well as traditional students. The GWS degree prepares graduates for a variety of wine industry careers.

Growing Demand

The United States is experiencing its largest wine boom in history, and the industry needs additional qualified professionals in order to keep pace with such rapid growth. The wine industry currently employs 1.1 million people across the nation, including more than 19,000 in Washington State.

Benefits

Possession of wine business skills for the global market.
Fundamental knowledge of viticulture and winemaking.
Ability to identify wines produced from major wine regions of the world.
Understanding of costs and price structures of wine from field to the marketplace.
Ability to use professional tasting techniques for wine evaluation.

Admission Requirements

For a complete list of admission requirements and special requirements click here.

Application Process

Students must meet the admission requirements before applying. To print an application packet click here. Applications may be picked up on campus in Barge Hall, Room 204 or Michelson, Room 100. To request an application packet be mailed to you call 509-963-1754 or email wine@cwu.edu.

Financial Obligations

Additional tuition costs will apply for GWS major core classes. Tuition is subject to change. Additional course fees may also apply. Courses are eligible for student financial aid. Tuition waiver programs are not accepted for GWS major core courses.

Program Faculty

Amy Mumma - Program Coordinator for CWU’s World Wine Program, Amy is also an instructor and advisor for the Global Wine Studies major. She holds an MBA in wine studies from the Bordeaux Business School in France, the Advanced Certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust of London, the Diploma of Tasting from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France, and a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and international affairs from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. A highly sought-after speaker and lecturer, Mumma, who won the prestigious Professional Wine Woman Award in 2005, is internationally recognized for her wine expertise and expansive knowledge of the worldwide wine industry.

Dr. John E. Hudelson- Assistant Professor for the Global Wine Studies degree at CWU. John has worked as a viticulture researcher at Cornell University’s Agricultural Experimental Station, served as V.P. of Operations for the Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association, been the chemist of a large U.S. winery, and taught at several colleges in the Northeast. Furthermore, John has been a viticulturist and winemaker for 21 years. Having traveled and worked in Europe, Africa, South America, and the United States, he brings a unique global perspective to the classroom.