WSU To Offer Master’s In V&E This Fall

Washington State University is launching a new master’s degree in viticulture and enology this fall at its Tri-Cities campus.

“The wine industry increasingly recognizes the need for a workforce with deeper education, stronger scientific understanding, and the critical thinking skills required to address complex challenges, from climate change to shifting consumer preferences,” said Jean Dodson Peterson, founding chair of WSU’s Department of Viticulture and Enology. “This is the right time for us to lean into that need. An advanced degree in viticulture and enology fills an important gap and will help strengthen the future of the industry.”

Previously, WSU V&E students could pursue a master’s degree in either food science or horticulture.

“Our team is excited to continue engaging as affiliate faculty in horticulture,” Dodson Peterson said. “This is not about creating a new silo. It is about strengthening our college by building on existing partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration.”

The two-year degree will allow students to specialize in viticulture, enology, or both, with coursework focused on the state’s unique grape-growing conditions. WSU officials say the program combines research, hands-on learning, and industry collaboration to prepare graduates for careers in wine production, grape growing, and wine science research.

The curriculum was developed with input from students, alumni, industry leaders, and the Washington State Wine Commission.

“Building on the legacy of pioneers like Walt Clore and Chas Nagel, the Washington wine industry continues to advance through a commitment to research and education. This program represents an important step forward in that tradition,” said Kristina Kelley, Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Commission. “The industry will benefit from a growing pool of highly trained professionals with specialized technical expertise who understand how to collect and analyze vineyard and winery data to support informed, fact-based decision-making.”

“The viticulture and enology department’s dedication to the thoughtful development of this degree is commendable,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. "The degree's combination of curriculum, research, and hands-on learning will ensure our students are competitive, knowledgeable, and career-ready in an industry that is undergoing significant change. I’m eager to witness the many new opportunities it will offer.”

The first students will begin the new program this fall.

“As a team, we felt truly supported throughout this process,” Dodson Peterson noted. “I hope the changes we are making, from integrated learning opportunities and more industry-connected conversations to expanded research capacity, will have a lasting impact on the economic sustainability of the wine and grape industry in Washington and beyond.”

Click Here to learn more about WSU's Viticulture & Enology Program.