Culinary Arts Technology
The Program
Culinary arts professionals are trained to produce safe, healthful, and creative food for all segments of the food-service industry. They may handle one type of specialized food preparation or be responsible for preparing all the foods served in a given establishment. They may also plan menus, control costs, purchase food supplies, and/or supervise other personnel. This occupational field is growing rapidly and provides a wide variety of career Opportunities.
Three options are available to those looking to gain skills in the culinary arts field. (1) The Certificate in Culinary Arts Technology is an 11-month program that teaches students the basic theory and techniques of food production and service. Once students complete this option they can continue their studies in one of two ways. (2) Through the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, the students build on the skills learned in the certificate option to develop advanced culinary techniques. (3) Those students interested in gaining more skills in the area of business can complete an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Technology by taking the skills learned in their certificate program and combining them with the skills offered in the 11-month Business Technology Certificate through the Marketing and Management Occupations program.
Aptitudes and Interests: Pleasant personality and ability to work with people, good use of hands and fingers. Ability to follow specific procedures, physical stamina, reliable, and dependable. Work with people in team relationship, work under pressure during busy periods.
Helpful High School Courses
Business Math, Computers, Consumer Economics, Cooking, Marketing, Speech, Public Speaking, Written Communications
Course Sequence
Program begins in August, January, and May
Program length is 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 semesters
Admits 24 students each year
Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 days per week
Summer Session - mandatory
View Course Sequence
View Complete Course List
Certificates and Degrees
- Technical Certificate Culinary Arts
- Technical Certificate: Culinary Management
- Associate of Applied Science Degree: Culinary Arts
- Associate of Applied Science Degree: Culinary Management
- Associate of Applied Science Degree: Restaurant Management
Program Requirements
Admission requirements:
Application for Admission
Application fee
High school transcript or GED
COMPASS Placement Test or ACT scores
Register early - admission is based on space availability.
Admission Steps
- Complete and return an Application for Admission along with a check or money order for $40 (non-refundable), payable to Idaho State University. You may also apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable, from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have completed and submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education.)
- Meet with a College of Technology counselor, if desired, to obtain more in-depth information. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Either:
- Complete the COMPASS Placement test. This test enables us to place you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Submit ACT/SAT scores, valid for seven (7) years from the date of testing.
- Apply for financial aid if needed. Questions, call (208) 282-2756.
Fees
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.
| Class | Amount | Purpose of Fee |
|---|---|---|
| CUAR 111/Culinary Skill Development | $170.00 | food, chef coats & hats, knife set |
| CUAR 121/Culinary Skill Development II | $60.00 | food used for instructional purposes |
| CUAR 131/Culinary Skill Development III | $30.00 | food used for instructional purposes |
| CUAR 211/Entrée & Sautéing Prep | $30.00 | food used for instructional purposes |
| CUAR 212/Adv Garde-Manger & Appetizers | $30.00 | food used for instructional purposes |
| CUAR 221/Adv Catering & Oper Skill | $30.00 | food used for instructional purposes |
| CUAR 223/Adv Baking & Desserts | $30.00 | food used for instructional purposes |
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Career Opportunities
100% of 2007 graduates were employed in related jobs.
Employment Opportunities
- Restaurants
- Catering facilities
- Institutional food service
- Corporate dining
- Dining room service
- Hotel food and beverage outlets
- Food and Beverage Controllers
- Food distributors
- Restaurant equipment dealers
- Teacher
- Food critics for newspapers or magazines
- Median Income for chefs in Idaho is $21,160 and nationally the median income is $32,330 in this field. The median income for restaurant managers in Idaho is $28,190 and nationally, the median income $41,340.*
- About 7,700 culinary arts professionals work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.