Culinary Arts
Culinary Training for Foodservice Professionals
Learn culinary arts in a real-world setting. From day one you will get hands-on training and gain practical experience in management, food preparation, and service.
Field trips to various food service establishments and an optional trip to the industry’s national convention are also included in the course of study. International travel and education opportunities are available for culinary students.
Because this program is fully accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission, graduates are provided with an opportunity for nationally-recognized certification upon completion of the program.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are many specifically for students enrolled in Culinary Arts and other hospitality programs.
Graduates of the Culinary Arts program will be able to:
- Employ proficiency pertaining to the care and use of an industry-standard range of professional knives.
- Operate and safely control commercial food service equipment significant to the hospitality industry.
- Utilize classical cooking methods to design, produce, plate, and critically analyze the quality of dishes for diverse foodservice outlets and meal periods that include short order and banquet production.
- Demonstrate fabrication and preparation proficiency related to a variety of seafood, meat, poultry, and game proteins.
- Distinguish between, and successfully utilize, a wide array of international food preparation techniques and ingredients.
- Compare and assess both nutritional and food cost value related to menu design and the purchase of products for the foodservice industry.
- Employ appropriate sanitation and safety measures in order to minimize the risks associated with foodborne illness.
- Calculate and interpret fundamental food service cost bases including food and beverage percentages and costs associated with inventory management.
A program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
Program Costs
Culinary Arts A.A.S.
Program Entry Semester: Fall 2021
Year One
| TERM | FALL | SPRING | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 18 | 17.5 | 35.5 |
| Tuition: | $3,348 | $3,255 | $6,603 |
| Fees: | $978.85 | $837.50 | $1,816.35 |
| Books: | $718 | $635 | $1,353 |
Year Two
| TERM | FALL | SPRING | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 13.5 | 18 | 31.5 |
| Tuition: | $2,511 | $3,348 | $5,859 |
| Fees: | $543.20 | $110.25 | $653.45 |
| Books: | $429 | $534 | $963 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | $17,247.80 |
|---|
Costs provided are estimated and based on in-state tuition rates. Book cost estimates are for new books. Individual expenses may vary. These costs also do not factor in potential financial aid benefits. For a complete view of your specific cost expectation, visit our Cost Estimator Tool.
Included fees: Technology Fee, Lab Course Fee, Ancillary Expenses (Tool Sets, Uniforms, and Miscellaneous)
Current Tuition Rates per Credit Hour: $ 186 In-State; $ 249 Out-of-State; $ 372 International
Updated: 1/5/2021
Program Requirements
To get into the Culinary Arts program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Delicious Hands-On Learning
Students assist in the daily operation of The Class Act Restaurant, a full-service restaurant at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center. The restaurant features fine dining for hotel and conference center guests, Kirkwood staff, and the public.
Students assist in planning, preparing, and servicing catered events at The Kirkwood Center during their last semester. Students are required to purchase professional uniforms and tools to use when in labs and kitchens.
Accreditation & Awards
This program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation as an “Exemplary” program, which symbolizes the highest educational standards recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC), and was Awarded one of the 50 Best Programs by Best Choice Schools to offer quality programs which can help students be successful in the field of culinary arts.
What career could this lead to?
Graduates with a Culinary Arts degree can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Explore Careers
The Kirkwood Center
The Kirkwood Center is a working event center with over 20,000 square feet of event and banquet space where students participate in the day-to-day operations of a successful full-service facility, gaining practical training experience.
The Kirkwood Center features:
- Three teaching kitchens
- 104-seat culinary learning amphitheater
- Open-air gourmet restaurant
- Luxury 70-room boutique hotel
“I think some people have a negative connotation about community college, but I feel like I got a lot more out of my experience at Kirkwood than I would have at a four-year institution.”
Julia Crouse,
Culinary Arts
Read more about Julia Crouse' story on the Kirkwood Online Newsroom.
Mission Statement
Educate and develop future leaders for the culinary profession.
Questions?
Hospitality Arts
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
319-848-8770
hospitalityarts@kirkwood.edu