Culinary & Hospitality
Your education
The A.A.S. degree in culinary arts and hospitality is a two-year program designed to prepare students with skills and knowledge for advancement within the food service industry. The degree program builds upon the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts certificate programs.
You will develop the knowledge and skill required to be a productive professional within the foodservice industry through coursework that teaches: foodservice sanitation and safety; culinary and baking principles and techniques; preparation of soups, stocks and sauces; nutrition principles; and food and beverage service. Advanced program coursework includes: protein fabrication; vegetable and a’ la cart cookery; methods of scratch cookery; upscale pantry preparation; menu planning; cost management; and storeroom purchasing and receiving.
The baking and pastry arts certificate is a one-year program designed to prepare you for entry-level baking positions within the food service industry.
Coursework included in this certificate will develop foundation-level knowledge and skills in baking and pastry arts through courses in foodservice sanitation and safety, culinary and baking principles and techniques. You will also complete intermediate-level baking and pastry coursework, as well as individual course selections that support your goals and interests.
The program has also been structured to enable students to complete both the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts certificate in 10 months and has also been designed as a stepping stone to the A.A.S. degree in applied business for students interested in continuing to advance their knowledge through additional education.
The culinary arts certificate is a one-year program designed to prepare you for entry-level cooking positions within the food service industry.
Coursework included in this certificate will develop foundation-level knowledge and skills in culinary arts through courses in foodservice sanitation and safety, culinary and baking principles and techniques. You will also complete intermediate-level culinary arts coursework, as well as individual course selections that support your goals and interests.
The program has also been structured to enable students to complete both the culinary art and baking and pastry arts certificate in 10 months and has also been designed as a stepping stone to the A.A.S. degree in applied business for students interested in continuing to advance their knowledge through additional education.
Your career
The culinary arts and hospitality program prepares students for careers in the ever-expanding field of food preparation and food services. The program provides a comprehensive culinary education focused on student centered learning and industry endorsed outcomes. Instruction will include the exploration of the culinary field and different specialty areas so that students learn about the many diverse opportunities available within the industry.
Graduates may choose from numerous career paths including restaurants, bakeries, food production, hotels, hospitals, catering companies, mining camps, cruise ships, or any other facility that requires food service as part of its operation.
The A.A.S. degree is transferable to the bachelor’s in hospitality management at the University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ in Anchorage, which provides graduates the option continue their education at the bachelor’s level.
Program delivery
Delivery:
Program is completed through in-person courses in which students receive both classroom and practical hands-on learning experiences, and also through online courses offered through Canvas or Blackboard. Class size is limited, so students will receive individual help and attention.
The certificates have been structured into a 10-month certificate completion program that enables students to complete both the culinary arts and the baking and pastry arts certificates In a single academic year.
Scheduling:
Classes are offered Monday – Friday during the daytime. (Some special interest classes are offered in the evenings.)
When to Start:
The optimal semester for students to begin their program is in the fall semester. Students can start their program in the spring semester; however, because some classes are only offered once per year, it will take three semesters to complete the certificate program and five semesters to complete their A.A.S. degree.
Location:
Program is located at the Hutchison Center, 3770 Geist Road in the Hutchison Institute of Technology. Students will work in a fully-equipped modernized kitchen and bakery boasting the latest tools and equipment to ensure that students receive education and training that meets current industry standards.
Program highlights
10-Month Certificate Completion Program: Get in, Get Out, and Get to Work! The culinary arts and baking and pastry certificate programs have been structured as an intensive, hands-on course sequence that includes 420 hours of instruction over 10 months. This 10-month program has been designed to enable students to either enter the workforce upon completion or transition seamlessly into the associate program for students interested in refining and deepening their culinary skills through a second year of study.
Students have the opportunity to complete some of their credits through a study-abroad program at Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy.
BOREALIS BISTRO: In an effort to provide real-world experience, students will be part of a full-service luncheon within our student-run bistro. The bistro’s service operation is run by students as part of their food and beverage service class and food production is handled by second year students as part of their á la carte cooking class.
>> Visit the Borealis Bistro for Reservations & More Information
Study Abroad in Florence, Italy: Work with program advisor Chef Sean Walklin to complete part of your AAS degree in Florence, Italy. Flexible timeline - from 2 weeks to a semester abroad.
Transfer Program with the American University of Florence: After completing your AAS degree, transfer to the American University of Florence to earn a Masters Certificate in Italian Cuisine in one year or a Bachelors in Food and Wine Studies in two years.
Other details
Because many courses are only offered once per year, it is important for students to work closely with their program advisor to ensure optimal courses are selected.
Contact Us
Have questions? Would you like more information? Let us help connect you to an expert who can answer your questions and/or help you with pre-admission, academic assessment, financial aid or choosing a major.
Get connected to an expert