Culinary chef preparing a meal with a pan lit on fire

Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts program at Houston City College prepares students for successful careers in the fast-paced and diverse culinary industry. Training emphasizes strong technical skills, creativity, and professionalism needed for advancement in today’s culinary workforce.

Education Tracks

Programs

Culinary Arts, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Education track: University Transfer

The Culinary Arts, AAS program is designed to equip graduates for leadership positions in the food industry. The program provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills to become successful culinary professionals.

Specialized classroom and practical laboratory work experiences in the preparation and cooking of a variety of foods are included in the Culinary Arts program. Emphasis is placed on the use and care of commercial equipment used in food preparation, sanitation in food handling, cooking and baking methods, preparation of special dishes, food standards, aspects of nutrition, and gourmet cooking.

Since this program is designed to prepare graduates for a career in Culinary Arts, tools and materials are expected to be purchased by students in order to perform routine class and laboratory assignments.

Upon completion of CHEF 1305, Safety and Sanitation, students are eligible to take the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation ServSafe Certification exam. After receiving a passing grade on the exam, students are awarded the ServSafe Health Certificate that is valid for five years.

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

 

The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree and the Associate of Applied Science Pastry Arts degree are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).

For more information »

Program Outcomes and Success Measurement Data

AAS Culinary Arts— Graduation

Academic Year

2023

Academic Year

2024

Academic Year

2025

24 students

24 students

21 students

 

Job Placement Rates for Culinary Arts & Pastry Arts AAS

Academic Year

(17-18 to 19-20)

78%

Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

 

ACFEF Certification Rates

Academic Year

2024-2025

100%

 

*ACF Certification Rate is the percentage of students who receive ACF Certification within

 1 year of program completion.

 

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Apply methods of food and beverage preparation and service that illustrate a high level of skill and professionalism needed for advancement in the dynamic culinary industry.
  • Demonstrate proper sanitation and safety procedures in areas of personal hygiene, proper attire, food handling and storage and chemical and equipment use.
  • Analyze food and beverage costs and identify necessary controls to efficiently manage and ensure profitability in a food service establishment.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate sustainability principles and practices necessary for responsible management of operations within a community.

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Christy J. Sykes

Duration
2 years (full time)
Program Format
  • In-Person
Campus Location
Total Minimum Credits: 60

View the Culinary Arts, A.A.S. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.

 

Cost

Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition. 

Prep Cook, C1

Certificate 1
Education track: Workforce Training

The Culinary Arts - Level I, Prep Cook certificate program is designed to equip students for entry level positions in the food industry.

Specialized classroom and practical laboratory work experiences in the preparation and cooking of a variety of foods are included in the Culinary Arts program. Emphasis is placed on the use and care of commercial equipment used in food preparation, sanitation in food handling, cooking and baking methods, preparation of special dishes, food standards, aspects of nutrition, and gourmet cooking.

Since this program is designed to prepare graduates for a career in Culinary Arts, tools and materials are expected to be purchased by students in order to perform routine class and laboratory assignments.

Upon completion of CHEF 1305, Safety and Sanitation, students are eligible to take the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation ServSafe Certification exam. After receiving a passing grade on the exam, students are awarded the ServSafe Health Certificate that is valid for five years.

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

 

The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree and the Associate of Applied Science Pastry Arts degree are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).

For more information »

Have Questions?

We are here to help.

Christy J. Sykes

Duration
1 semester (full time)
Program Format
  • In-Person
Campus Location
Total Minimum Credits for the Level 1 Certificate: 16

View the Prep Cook, C1 to see the total credit hours required.

 

Cost

Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition. 

Culinary Arts, C2

Certificate 1
Education track: Workforce Training

The Culinary Arts, Level II certificate program is designed to equip graduates for leadership positions in the food industry. The program provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills to become successful culinary professionals.

Specialized classroom and practical laboratory work experiences in the preparation and cooking of a variety of foods are included in the Culinary Arts program. Emphasis is placed on the use and care of commercial equipment used in food preparation, sanitation in food handling, cooking and baking methods, preparation of special dishes, food standards, aspects of nutrition, and gourmet cooking.

Since this program is designed to prepare graduates for a career in Culinary Arts, tools and materials are expected to be purchased by students in order to perform routine class and laboratory assignments.

Upon completion of CHEF 1305, Safety and Sanitation, students are eligible to take the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation ServSafe Certification exam. After receiving a passing grade on the exam, students are awarded the ServSafe Health Certificate that is valid for five years.

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

 

The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree and the Associate of Applied Science Pastry Arts degree are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).

For more information »

Have Questions?

We are here to help.

Christy J. Sykes

Duration
3 semesters (full time)
Program Format
  • In-Person
Campus Location
Total Minimum Credits for the Level 2 Certificate: 33

View the Culinary Arts, C2 to see the total credit hours required.

 

Cost

Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.