Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Program Overview
The School of Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of Virginia, educational program prepares students for success in the competitive field of food service. The program prepares students for entry level positions in the food service industry. Emphasis is placed on the development of professional culinary skills, through standards-based, hands-on training. In the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree, students will be taught skills in:
- Foundational methods and techniques used throughout the foodservice industry
- Culinary and baking recipe development and execution
- Ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen
- Applying purchasing, nutrition and supervision concepts in the foodservice environment
Program Outcomes
The objective of the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts program is to educate and train prospective culinarians with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to compete for employment in the Culinary Arts field. Students will be able to demonstrate the attributes of a good cook including stamina, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, timing, and the ability to work well with others. Students learn restaurant management skills and proper ways to serve food to restaurant patrons. In order to manage the food preparation environment and collaborate with other food service professionals, each student will develop their oral and written communication skills. Upon successful completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply sound judgment and ethical practices in the culinary environment
- Apply ServSafe standards to insure a safe and secure foodservice outlet
- Apply technical and analytical skills as they relate to foodservice
- Communicate effectively to various audiences
- Practice continuous improvement in the Culinary Arts
- Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve success
For additional information about the program link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/culinary/program/culinary-arts-associate-degree/. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see About ECPI University on the ECPI website.
About Culinary Arts
A career in the Culinary Arts allows you to use your creative skills in creating, preparing, and serving food that your customers will enjoy. Demand for qualified foodservice personnel can be global, there are no geographic boundaries. Culinarians plan and cook menus combining flavor profiles in ways that make memorable meals while maintaining a safe, clean kitchen area. Depending on the student’s work ethic, experience, and dependability, the graduate may work as a cook, pantry cook, banquet cook, line cook, or sous chef, with exceptional opportunity for advancement.
Working in a food service position is physically very demanding. Long periods of standing, lifting heavy objects and long periods between breaks are not uncommon in the industry. Hepatitis A vaccination may be required.
Background checks, drug screening and/or security clearances may be requirements for employment depending on the food service outlet.
Recommended Certifications
Students may obtain the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Food Protection Manager and ServeSafe Alcohol certifications as a result of their studies. The Culinary Institute of Virginia is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for initial certification of Certified Culinarian.
Program Outline
To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, the student must earn 60 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 4 semesters, which is equivalent to 15 months or 60 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:
Program Requirements
Core Curriculum
42 semester credit hours
Arts and Sciences*
15 semester credit hours
| COM115 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| ENG110 | College Composition | 3 |
| HUM205 | Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3 |
| MTH120 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.
Self-Integration
3 semester credit hours