Culinary Arts

We are proud of our Culinary Arts program! It is one of just three programs in the entire St. Louis area!

The Culinary Arts program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree and a Certificate of Achievement taught through a block schedule of course sequencing. The curriculum centers on “hands-on” learning in our professional culinary kitchen taught by qualified chefs, pastry chefs, and instructors.

The program is located on the Union campus in a state-of-the-art kitchen with a bakeshop and a garde manger cold room. Students earning an AAS degree will also study advanced culinary skills, restaurant and foodservice management theory, and a general education base.

Mission Statement

East Central College Culinary Arts Program provides an affordable, quality education from industry-trained Instructors. Through technology, innovation, and a well-balanced, transparent curriculum we ensure to keep our students the choice of our regional employers.

Download the Culinary Arts Brochure

Degrees & Certificates

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Culinary Arts,  AAS

Program Description

In the East Central College Culinary Arts program, a student will do culinary arts in a real-world setting. From your first day in the kitchen, you will get hands-on training and gain practical experience in management, food preparation, and service. Learn from highly experienced faculty and operational managers who have a passion for quality food and delivering exceptional service. Since East Central’s Culinary Arts program offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience presented in an exceptional facility, with instruction provided by experienced chefs, you can be sure that you will be ready for industry employment as a Culinary Arts graduate. Graduates find work at restaurants, nutrition centers catering companies, and other foodservice organizations.

Professional Positions

• Chef
• Cook
• Kitchen manager
• Catering manager
• Banquet chef
• Sous-chef Chef de Cuisine

Program Format

We are proud of our Culinary Arts program! It is one of just three programs in the entire St. Louis area! It is also accredited by American Culinary Federation (ACF). The Culinary Arts program is a 63 credit-hour Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree taught through a block schedule of course sequencing. The curriculum centers on “hands-on” learning in our professional culinary kitchen taught by qualified chefs, pastry chefs, and instructors. Instructors combine theory and classroom learning with kitchen demonstrations and hands-on practice. Program courses include Food Preparation and Theory, Meat Fabrication, Safety and Sanitation, and more. The program is located on the Union campus in a state-of-the-art kitchen with a bakeshop and a Garde Manger cold room. Students earning an AAS degree will also study advanced culinary skills, restaurant and foodservice management theory, and a general education base.

Mission Statement

East Central College Culinary Arts Program provides an affordable, quality education from industry-trained Instructors. Through technology, innovation, and a well-balanced, transparent curriculum we ensure to keep our students the choice of our regional employers.

Professional Traits

Students also can network with local and regional business leaders through classroom visits, student programs across campus, DECA, and internships. ECC has also worked closely with regional universities and colleges to design a curriculum for students planning to transfer options.

Those pursuing a career in this field should:

• Organizational skills
• Desire to learn
• Physical and mental stamina
• Flexible and efficient to multitask
• Creativity

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Professional/Technical Skills: The student will be able to apply the application of academic knowledge to include an analytical approach.
2. Critical Thinking: The student will be able to function under ACF Certified Culinarian standards and adjust to culinary workplace environments.
3. Safety: The student will be able to maintain and display a high degree of safe and sanitary workplace practices.
4. Communication/Ethics: The student of the Culinary Arts industry are professionals and adhere to a strict code of strong work ethics and dedication to team efforts.

Culinary Arts, Certificate of Specialization

The Culinary Certificate of Specialization is a 23-credit hour certificate consisting of the fundamental courses of the Culinary Arts degree. Students who are enrolled in the certificate learn the fundamentals of cuisine and bakery. The certificate prepares the student for the Culinary Arts second-year advance culinary courses. Students entering the workforce after completing this certificate are capable to perform entry-level work in the food industry.

Program Outcomes

1. Professional/Technical Skills: The student will be able to apply the application of academic knowledge to include an analytical approach.
2. Communication/Ethics: The student of the Culinary Arts industry are professionals and adhere to a strict code of strong work ethics and dedication to team efforts.
3. Safety: The student will be able to maintain and display a high degree of safe and sanitary workplace practices.

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Culinary Arts and course descriptions

Degrees and Certificates:

• Culinary Arts, AAS
• Culinary Arts, Certificate of Specialization

Additional Information & Links:

• American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• ACF Accreditation for Culinary Programs
• St. Louis Chefs de Cuisine, ACF Chapter

Scholarships:

• East Central College Scholarships
• St Louis Chefs de Cuisine Educational Foundation Scholarship Information
• Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association Scholarship
• ACF American Academy of Chefs (AAC) Scholarships

Program Outcomes

ACFEFAC Student Outcomes East Central College

Accreditations

The East Central College Culinary Arts program has earned accreditation through the American Culinary Federation, Educational Foundation, Accreditation Commission (ACFEFAC).

American Culinary Federation
180 Center Place Way
St. Augustine, FL 32095
(904) 824-4468

East Central College is accredited by the:

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440