Overview of an Accelerated Associate Degree Program in Culinary Arts
Majors Overview April 21, 2013Students will have the opportunity to earn their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Culinary Arts much quicker through the accelerated associate degree program. Students will acquire general business management knowledge, as well as develop skills in the art and science of cooking.
A.A.S. in Culinary Arts
Enrollment in an accelerated program enables students to complete an associate degree program in culinary arts within eighteen months as compared to the normal span of twenty-four months. An accelerated associate degree program in culinary arts provides food service training to career changers and culinary professionals. Students will gain a basic understanding of operations essential to running a restaurant or kitchen and the cooking skills required to prepare various dishes.
Students are usually required to earn a general educational development (GED) certificate or high school diploma, in order to be able to enroll in an associate degree program in culinary arts. Typically, accelerated degree programs are designed for individuals who have experience in the food service industry or who have already completed a bachelor degree program in other areas. Students may earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree through an accelerated degree program.
Program Coursework
Accelerated associate degree program coursework may include nutrition, world cuisine, menu creation, and dining room essentials. The accelerated program may include an internship. Additional coursework students are required to complete may include:
•Food management
•Food purchasing
•Food safety
•Soups, sauces, and stock
•Pastry and baking preparation
•Cooking methods
Career Options
Those who have earned their associate degree in culinary arts will have the food service management skills and culinary expertise to obtain careers with food service establishments, such as catering companies and restaurants. Some career titles available to those who hold an associate degree may include:
•Menu planner
•Baker
•Food service supervisor
•Cook
•Chef
Information on Continuing Education
The majority of individuals who pursue an accelerated associate degree program in culinary arts will want to enter the workforce as soon as they complete the program, but there are a selected few who would want to advance their education by enrolling in a bachelor degree program in culinary arts. The bachelor degree programs usually combine advanced cooking techniques required to prepare international and American cuisine with the business knowledge required to manage a restaurant or operate a kitchen.
Graduates of a bachelor degree program in culinary arts that want to further their education can pursue a master degree program in food studies. The master degree programs in food studies will teach students about the relationship between societies, culture, and food, as well as agricultural and industrial methods used in food production.
