Degrees and Certificates
Why Choose This Program
The Culinary Arts field is booming, and with a shortage of professional chefs, the opportunities and possibilities for lifetime careers are endless.
The Culinary Arts program at SCTCC has fun in the kitchen, experimenting with current trends and new food innovations. Students learn every aspect of the Culinary world, from safety and sanitation, to stocks, sauces, soups, starches, breakfast, baking, fabrication of steaks, poultry, and seafood. Students will also spend time learning food presentation and food art, as well as training in nutrition, sanitation, and the operation of equipment.
Students will have many opportunities to participate in college and community events that provide practical experience in the field, including membership in the local Chef's Society.
Good Stuff
"Food is my passion, and teaching what I know is the most rewarding job on earth."
-Chef Jay
Skills Acquired
Through the Culinary Arts program, students will learn skills related to all aspects of the food service industry including: Culinary history, kitchen math, kitchen financial planning, food safety and sanitization, nutrition, recipe development, customer service, and all aspects of food production.
Specifically, Culinary skills are developed in the following areas: stocks, sauces, soups, sandwich and salad production, vegetable and starch preparation, breakfast cookery, basic baking and cooking principles, meat, poultry and seafood fabrication, and food presentation/food art.
Developing teamwork and professionalism skills are emphasized in all courses.
- Kitchen procedures and operations
- Fabrication of meat, poultry, seafood
- Menu planning
- Recipe development
- Nutrition
- Food presentation
- Financial planning
- Human resources
- Customer relations
- Graduates of the Culinary Arts will be licensed in Serv-Safe.
Career Choices
Types of Careers
- Sous Chef
- Executive Chef
- Station chef
- Grocery Retail
- Product development
- Food styling
- Kitchen Manager
- Dining Room Manager
- Caterer
- Restaurant Ownership
- Food Sales or Brokerage positions
- Various Hospitality Management positions
Potential Employers
- Hotels/Resorts
- Restaurants/Clubs
- Healthcare Facilities
- Grocer/Fresh Food Service
- Schools
- Brokerage Houses
- Food Service Distribution
- Product and Development Services
Where Grads Work
St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud Country Club, Coborn's, Bella Cucina
Accreditations & Credentials
ServSafe Certification
Transfer
The Culinary Arts AAS degree is transferable to Mayville State University (North Dakota), Concordia University (St. Paul, MN). Many other colleges may take your Culinary Arts degree which can transfer into a bachelor degree.
Info Sessions
Contact Us
Chef Jay Thomas
Office: 1-307
320-308-5037
jthomas@sctcc.edu
Program Costs
The cost for knives, books, and uniforms is approximately $600 in addition to tuition and fees.
Clubs & Organizations
Culinary Arts students have the opportunity to be involved with Skills USA - Culinary. This club is very active in various catering events at SCTCC, competes in local, state and national Culinary Arts competitions, and volunteers in the local community through various service-learning events. Leadership opportunities are available for students in this club.
