Distance Learning

Linfield College Adds Online Wine Certificates

• By Leila Meyer
• 07/27/15

Linfield College Online and Continuing Education in Oregon has introduced two new online certificate programs: Wine Marketing and Wine Management.

Both certificate programs are geared toward "small winery owners, individuals considering a career in the wine industry or existing winery employees preparing for advancement," according to information on the college's site. The programs include four core courses and two electives, which balance wine industry topics with marketing or management topics.

Three of the four core courses are the same for both programs and include a foundation course on wine production and distribution, a wine-related seminar and a business course. The marketing certificate also includes a core course in marketing and the management certificate includes a core course in organizational behavior and management. Elective courses in the marketing certificate cover topics such as social media, wine marketing and sales and sales management, while electives in the management certificate cover topics such as human resource management, leadership and wine business management.

These online programs are open to students from around the world and intended to teach them the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the thriving wine industry, according to information from the college. "The wine industry is booming right now, especially in Oregon," said Ellen Brittan, director of Wine Education at Linfield, in a prepared statement. "One thing the market really needs is more young talent. Linfield is attempting to help close that gap."

Both programs are offered exclusively online and include access to technical support and a personal faculty advisor. Further information about the programs is available on Linfield College's site.