Program Overview
Culinary Arts
This degree blends professional and technical courses in the culinary arts with hands-on training that provides graduates with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills to be successful in the food service industry.
Career Pathway
- Business & Hospitality
Related Programs
- Management
Program Dean
Olugbemiga Adekunle
Business, Mathematics and Technologies Division
Faculty Contact
Caitlin McCabe
Academic Advisors
- Vicky Stow
Student last name starts with A-J - Shelley Smith
Student last name starts with K-Z
Program
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Credit Hours
64
Program Information
The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the fastest growing occupational sectors with a need for well-trained and skilled professionals. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts blends professional and technical courses in the culinary arts with general academic courses that provide graduates with the technical knowledge and hands on skills needed to be successful in the foodservice industry. The required internship provides students with the opportunity to apply and put into practice what they are learning in a real-time setting and to gain insight into their chosen field.
Occupational Objectives
- Career opportunities in the restaurant and foodservice industry include: chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, personal chefs and line cooks at casual and fine dining restaurants as well as hotels, resorts and country clubs. The Associate of Applied Science Degree prepares students for immediate employment upon graduation.
Financial Requirements
- In addition to regular college tuition and fees, the Culinary Arts AAS degree requires students to purchase the following:
- Approved uniforms items: chef jacket with logo, b & w houndstooth chef pants, slip resistant black kitchen shoes, hat, bib apron| $185.00 +/-
- Supplies: medium black Sharpie marker, yellow highlighter, basic pocket calculator, pocket size notebook| $25.00 +/-
- Textbook and other supplies (vary by class)| $500.00 +/-
- Approved tool kit| $425.00 +/-
Required Uniform and Tool Kits
- Students enrolled in HRI laboratory courses must wear the approved uniform and bring the approved tool kit to class. Specifications will be presented at orientation sessions. All required items are available through the campus bookstore, where financial aid may be used to assist with purchases.
Orientation to the Program
- Attendance at an information session is required before enrolling in Culinary Arts classes. Information sessions will be held in-person (or can be scheduled virtually, via Zoom) during the late spring and summer before each fall semester intake. Dates and sign-up information will be posted here at a later time. For more information please contact Caitlin McCabe.
Graduation Requirements
- Students in all degree programs are required to take one Civic Engagement (CE) to graduate. The CE course for this program is CUL 256.
Degree Requirements
- Culinary Arts Degree Requirements AAS
- Transfer Course Electives
Potential Careers
- Chef
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Description:
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts program at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) equips students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to succeed in the food service industry. The program blends professional and technical courses in the culinary arts with general academic courses.
Objectives:
- Provide graduates with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills for success in the food service industry.
- Prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation.
Target Audience:
- Individuals interested in careers as chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, personal chefs, and line cooks in various settings like casual and fine dining restaurants, hotels, resorts, and country clubs.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- The program requires 64 credit hours.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Chef
- Sous Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Personal Chef
- Line Cook
Employment Settings:
- Casual and fine dining restaurants
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Country clubs
Job Outlook:
- The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the fastest-growing occupational sectors with a need for well-trained professionals.
Other:
Financial Requirements:
Graduation Requirements:
- Students must take one Civic Engagement (CE) course to graduate. For this program, the CE course is HRI 256.
Program Contact:
- Caitlin McCabe (link sends email)
