Associate degree in beverage management: Take drink slinging to a new level

If you are creative, passionate about food, enjoy mixing your own drink concoctions, and have a sixth sense when it comes to business, you might be a good candidate for an online associate degree in beverage management. Serving beverages in any restaurant is crucial to the profitability of the establishment and enjoyment of the meal, and if you're interested in the role that drinks play in the restaurant business, you might be interested in earning an associate degree in beverage management.

Careers for a Degree in Beverage Management

A beverage management degree could prepare you for one of the following jobs:

• Beverage manager
• Sommelier (an expert in pairing food and wine)
• Bartender or bar manager
• Waiter or waitress at a high-end restaurant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2009 mean annual salary for food service managers was $51,400. Bartenders earned $20,970, waiters and waitresses earned an average of $20,380. While sommeliers are categorized as drink servers, they typically wait tables at higher-end restaurants, you could likely expect a slightly higher salary than the average waiter or waitress if you work as a sommelier.

The BLS reports that while the food management industry is expected to grow more slowly than average between 2008 and 2018, job prospects should be good, and those with formal training should have a competitive edge. Employment of waiters and waitresses is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2008 and 2018, while the employment of bartenders is expected to grow by 8 percent. However, the BLS still predicts that job opportunities should be plentiful, with competition expected to be more intense at higher-end restaurants.

Earning a Beverage Management Degree Online

There are a variety of advantages to earning an online beverage management degree. The BLS reports that while many food service managers are trained on the job and promoted from within, postsecondary training, including two- and four-year degrees, is increasingly important in securing food management jobs. If you're already working full time or have other commitments that keep you from returning to school, an online degree allows you to study anywhere you have an Internet connection; you can learn at your own pace and continue to work while studying. Coursework for an online associate degree in beverage management can include:

• Basics of wine, spirits, and beers
• Food and wine pairing
• Bar and beverage management
• Alcoholic beverage laws and administration
• Beverage planning and purchasing

To help pay for your degree, make sure to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you're already employed in the food and beverage industry, look into your employer's tuition reimbursement policies. While apprenticeships and internships do not typically play a huge role in beverage management jobs, you can expect hands-on training and experience to play a role in your education. Typically, food service managers, bartenders, and waiters and waitresses do not need formal certification or licensing, although some states require that those who serve alcohol be licensed.

To learn more about online associate degrees or careers related to beverage management, make sure to check out WorldWideLearn.com's information on online associate degree programs, hospitality management, or campus-based associate degree programs in restaurant management.

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