Nowadays, television food culture has introduced various specializations in culinary. It has turned culinary into a career people may choose for themselves. Many online and campus based schools offer culinary arts degrees. They offer degrees in basic culinary arts including kitchen basics and organization, chef techniques, baking and pastry making, planning meals, and hospitality and restaurant management.
Many institutions offer diploma, associate, bachelor, and master's degrees in culinary arts. The following associate's degree programs in culinary arts are commonly offered:
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Specialized training in pastry
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Applied science degree in culinary arts
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General studies in culinary arts
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Specialized technology in culinary arts.
Associates of Science in Culinary Arts Degree
The program is designed for students who have already received culinary arts or pastry arts training at the postsecondary level. The program widens the skill set for more career opportunities and possible advancement. It provides students with training in cooking and baking. The program also teaches management techniques applicable in the food industry. This opens door for graduates in supervisory positions in the hospitality and food service industry. The primary objectives of the program include the following:
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To be able to plan a menu for different customers by applying nutrition principles
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To be able to use computer and software relevant to food industry
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To grasp the basic processes of planning and setting up a commercial kitchen
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To understand the laws shaping employment in the food industry
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To apply knowledge in food cost control and other expenses in commercial operation
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To have knowledge of successful hospitality marketing
Requirements
An associate's degree in culinary arts is suitable for students who wish to broaden their culinary skills. Students may need to have experience before getting into the program. Also, in order to get selected for admission, students may be required to have completed diploma program in kitchen skills from an accredited program.
Curriculum
The curriculum may consist of general education courses, foundation courses, and an area of concentration. General education courses may include mathematics, communication, and social and behavioral sciences. Foundation courses many include courses such as learning frameworks and career planning modules. Concentration may include the following courses:
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Critical Thinking
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Food science nutrition and cooking
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Cultural perspective of Purchasing
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Management in the Hospitality Industry
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Facilities Management
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Marketing and Cost control
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Menu Planning
Students may need to pass the requirement to complete a minimum total of 96 credit hours to graduate. Please note that the above mentioned curriculum and requirements are typical for many programs, but may vary from one institute to another. For details about the program you wish to enroll in, please consult your advisor.
Job Outlook
Graduates inform a culinary arts degree program usually pursue career as chefs or head cooks. They may supervise food preparation at restaurants or other places where food is served. They also direct kitchen staff and handle food related issues. By pursuing advanced training, chefs may be able to advance in ranks, for instance from an assistant to executive chef. According the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of chefs and head cooks was $42,480 in May 2012.