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Blend Your Passion, Skill and Creativity with a Degree in Culinary Arts

The culinary arts associate in applied science (AAS) program prepares individuals for leadership roles in the food service industry through theoretical and practical learning experiences.

The program covers food preparation and service, world cuisines, ingredient identification, nutritional cooking, food production, advanced culinary skills, basic baking and pastry and culinary management. The program culminates with students showcasing their knowledge for guests in a dining room during a restaurant meal service.

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What is Culinary Arts at St. Louis Community College?

Culinary arts are the art and science of preparing, cooking and presenting food. It encompasses a wide range of skills and techniques used in professional kitchens. Culinary professionals create appetizing, nutritious and appealing dishes that highlight taste, texture and visual presentation.  

During the program, students learn the following:

  • Established guidelines for safety and sanitation
  • Benchmark recipes
  • Basic culinary techniques and equipment
  • Professionalism and hospitality industry standards
  • Food service operations and finances
  • Functions and food services of the major nutrient in food preparation and storage
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What Can You Do with a Culinary Arts Associate Degree?

It takes a lot of people to make a memorable meal for restaurant guests. This means there is a lot of opportunity to build your career in the culinary industry. With this degree, you'll learn from executive chefs who leverage real-world experiences to teach you how to create an excellent meal and dining experience for guests. As a student, you'll hone your skills and knowledge and position yourself for careers in restaurants, hotels, catering businesses and establishments around the world. 

AAS in Culinary Arts

  • Degree offered: Associate in applied science
  • Locations: Forest Park
  • Hours to complete: 65
  • Program contact name: Ellen Piazza
  • Program contact email: epiazza@stlcc.edu
  • Accreditation: American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Accrediting Commission

Cost of Attendance

Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.

Enjoy Culinary Arts Capstone Lunches and Dinners

STLCC culinary arts students invite you to join them as they present their capstone meals. Lunches cost $15 per person and dinners are $20. All meals are open to the public and located at the Forest Park Anheuser-Busch Dining Room of the Jack E. Miller Hospitality Center. Dinners include soup, salad, entrée (pork or chicken), dessert and a beverage. Lunches include soup or salad, chicken or pork, dessert and a beverage. Check the schedule and make a meal reservation.

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Why You Should Choose STLCC's Culinary Arts Program

Teacher and Student

Highly Ranked

STLCC's Culinary Arts program is ranked #9 in the United States by Best Choice Schools.

Student Outside

Successful Alumni

Multiple students, graduates and faculty have been featured in television cooking shows on Food Network, TLC and Netflix.

Students in a lunchroom

Healthy Job Market

The hospitality industry is the third-largest employer in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

Come as you are. See what you become.

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