Students may take one or two classes to supplement existing job skills or may pursue a more formal course of study. Interested students are encouraged to seek advising assistance for selection of appropriate courses. Opportunities exist in many diverse areas including hotels, restaurants, retail and wholesale services, catering, food design and management. The Culinary Arts program combines classic cooking methods with regional flair while giving students the skills they need to run a profitable business. The program emphasizes food management, preparation and service.
Students also have the opportunity to cater and prepare food for college and community events.
Curriculum is designed for the entry-level student with no previous work experience or formal training, as well as for industry professionals seeking new skills. See the Business and Business Management sections. Many graduates of the program now own and operate their own nurseries, landscape management, and landscape design businesses. Others go on to obtain supervisory and management positions in large commercial operations or with park departments and public gardens. Placement rates in the program have remained consistently high over the years.