SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- A keg of beer isn't exactly what you'd expect to find in a college classroom. Then again, many of the rooms at Schenectady County Community College's culinary wing aren't common, either.

That's where students are learning about the school's newest program: craft brewing.

"Anyone can brew beer, but to brew a good beer takes a little bit more insight and a little more education," said student Matthew Zerphey.

"We actually learn the chemistry and the flavor components and what makes a beer appealing to any certain palates," Stephen Digiovanni said.

In its inaugural year, 15 students are enrolled in the craft brewing program, which was created in response to the state's boom in craft breweries. According to the New York State Brewers Association, the state's craft beer industry has an economic impact of $3.5 billion, and New York is the fifth-largest beer-producing state in the country.

"With that, there's going to be a greater need to have the support as the production increases and the distribution increases," said Assistant Professor Jay Larkin.

Making a good beer is just the beginning of the course. The students will also work with local breweries to find out what it takes to run a successful business in hopes of one day starting their own.

"The college is a great resource for the education, but really being able to talk to brewers and breweries, and the other employees, not only is a great networking opportunity, but you get first-hand accounts of what works and what doesn't," Zerphey said.

"We give them the business perspective as well as the actual production," Larkin said. "They're going to be able to promote, market, merchandise, as well as produce the product that they are going to be bringing to the marketplace."

SCCC offers a craft brewing certificate and associates degree, both of which Larkin said will prepare students for a career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.

"It really gives us the opportunity to become well-known through higher education that we can bring valuable, employable assets to the industry," he said.

Something to raise a glass to.

If you know a business that should be featured on the Capital Region Business Beat, submit an email to Jon.Dougherty@charter.com. For more local business news follow Jon on Twitter: @JonDTWCNews.