Culinary Arts
Are you passionate about the art of cuisine? Ready to turn your love for cooking into a rewarding career?
A culinary professional is a chef, cook, or other food preparation worker who has received formal training in the culinary arts. They work in restaurants, hotels, resorts and other food service establishments to prepare and cook a wide variety of dishes.
Culinary professionals can specialize in a particular type of cuisine, such as pastry arts, sous vide, molecular gastronomy, or ethnic specialties like Italian, Chinese, or Indian. They may work as executive chefs, sous chefs, line cooks, pastry chefs, or in other roles within a professional kitchen.
Sharpen your skills, unleash your creativity and embark on a delicious journey toward culinary mastery.
Enroll today and let your culinary dreams take flight!
Why Choose Culinary Arts at COM
- Gain experience with faculty who have a hands-on and personalized approach to instruction.
- You’ll start cooking on the second week of class and participate in a “Chop Challenge” to identify your key strengths and interests.
- New, state-of-the-art food service equipment.
- New dining facility open to the public (coming Spring 2025).
Choose Your Path
Associate of Applied Science – Culinary Arts
Students delve into foundational culinary principles, including knife skills, food safety, nutrition and meal planning. They gain hands-on experience in state-of-the art kitchens, honing their abilities in preparing a diverse range of cuisines. The curriculum covers baking and pastry, culinary nutrition, a la carte cooking, international and regional cuisine and culinary supervision and management.
Associate of Science Degree Plan
Certificate – Professional Cook
Students master solid foundational culinary skills, making them eligible for entry-level positions in restaurants, catering services, and other culinary establishments. This program is a valuable credential for those eager to start their culinary careers with a practical and targeted approach.
Culinary Jobs in Industries
- Corporations
- Hotel and Tourism
- Restaurants
- Private Clubs
- Catering
Jobs Typically Involve
- Preparing and cooking meals and desserts according to recipes and menu specifications
- Ordering ingredients and supplies to maintain adequate inventory
- Maintaining a clean and safe working environment to comply with health and safety regulations
- Collaborating with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient service
- Developing new recipes and menus to keep offerings fresh and appealing
- Managing kitchen staff and operations as an executive chef or sous chef
Program Details
Next Start Date
Fall 2024
Learning Format
Face to Face plus Practicum
Program Length
Certificate: 2 semesters
AAS: 5 semesters
Degree Plan
View in course catalog
Let’s Connect!
409-938-1211
outreach@com.edu
Career Insights
Occupational summary for positions in Professional Kitchens
174,400 Number of Jobs
(2022)
5% Projected Growth
(2022)
$48-63K yr* Median Salary
(Chefs, Head Cooks and
Food Service Managers)
Additional Program Info
Upcoming Information Sessions:
Learn about the new night cohort for COM's Culinary Arts Program. Click on a date below to RSVP for a session.
Students must purchase the following items:
- Industry-approved Knife Kit
- Black Chef Jacket
- Black or Checkered Chef Pants
- Professional Cooking Book
- Study Guide
- ServSafe Certificate
- Apply to COM via ApplyTexas and select "Culinary Arts"
- Meet with an advisor or enrollment coach to make sure you meet all program requirements.
- Choose Your Path:
- Level One Certificate – Professional Cook (2 semesters | 23 credit hours)
- Associate of Applied Science – Culinary Arts (5 semesters | 60 credit hours)