Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Culinary Management
Majors Overview September 29, 2014Receive information about a bachelor’s degree program in culinary management and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Culinary Management
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in culinary management will be trained to perform leadership roles within the food service field. Schools offer the program under different titles, such as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) in Culinary Management.
Students enrolled in these programs are able to develop skills in both culinary arts and business management. A specialization option is offered by some programs in the area of culinary management, such as pastry arts, baking, or cooking.
After they successfully complete the program, graduates can expect to have a firm grasp of food service operations, food storage methods, food preparation techniques, employee management, sanitization procedures, and proper safety procedures.
Education Requirements
Entry to some programs may be restricted to graduates of an associate degree program. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Professional references from educators, employers, or colleagues in the food service field may be required by some schools. Previous work experience in food service may also be required.
Coursework
Coursework in a bachelor’s degree program in culinary management covers subjects that combine business and cooking skills. Students can opt for courses with a sole focus on culinary skills or food preparation while simultaneously taking classes in related subjects, such as business management. Core coursework may include these topic areas:
•Baking and pastry skills
•Banquet cooking
•Menu development
•Introduction to wine
•Culinary science
•Meat identification
•Management basics
•Food safety standards
•Customer service
•Food purchasing and budget control
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete the program can seek leadership and management roles within food service establishments. The program also train individuals who want to start their own business. Graduates may commonly seek job titles such as:
•Catering manager
•Banquet manager
•Head chef
•Kitchen manager
•Restaurant owner
Job and Wage Outlook
A low job growth rate of 2% has been predicted for food service managers over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In May 2012, food service managers brought home an average annual wage of $47,960 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
While candidates are often trained on the job within the companies that employ them, individuals with a college degree are often preferred by food service employers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, among other similar organizations, offers professional certification that individuals could benefit from. While no school offers graduate degrees in culinary management, master’s degrees in hospitality management or food service management would help those that aspire for leadership or executive positions in the field.