Culinary Arts and Food Management

For more information on the Culinary Arts and Food Management program, please contact the program coordinator, Leisa Brockman at 618-235-2700, ext. 5436, SWGCC x6689 or leisa.brockman@swic.edu

About the Program

The Southwestern Illinois College Culinary Arts and Food Management Program prepares you for an entry-level position in the food service industry. The program offers you four different educational options to meet your specific needs.

The Associate in Applied Science Degree program provides you with the knowledge of restaurant management and culinary art skills necessary to obtain an entry-level chef or restaurant management position. Some graduates prefer to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree. The program has an outstanding reputation among notable colleges and universities. Southwestern can assist you in the transfer process.

The three CUL certification programs provide specific foundations to help you prepare for a particular job in the hospitality industry or hone skills for your present job.

One certificate offers a food service concentration while another offers a food service and hospitality combination. The third certificate concentrates on food preparation with emphasis on culinary arts.

The college's food service kitchen is equipped with modern equipment and ample work station space for each student to practice culinary skills. Instruction is by experts who are well versed in food preparation and restaurant management. The program is run by a coordinator with extensive experience in the Culinary Arts and Food Management industry

The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation and is a member of the National Restaurant Association, and the Council of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Educators.

Career Opportunities

Careers

Chef
Assistant Manager
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

Entry-level Food Service Managers
Assistant Catering Managers
Entry-level Hotel Management

Prospects

The hospitality and food service industry is the top retail employer in America. During the next decade, 90 percent of new jobs will be in the service industry, especially food service. One out of every 10 people in the United States will be employed in the hospitality industry.

Programs Available

Associate in Applied Science Degree (066A)

Students must complete CUL 116 or a valid Illinois Sanitation course before beginning the Culinary Arts and Food Management program. Students also must meet minimum industry requirements.
View Curriculum>>

Food Service Certificate (066B)

Two semesters are required to complete certificate program attending full time. View Curriculum>>

Food Service and Management Certificate (066C)

A minimum of three semesters are required to complete this certificate. View Curriculum>>

Culinary Arts Certificate (066D)

A minimum of three semesters are required to complete this certificate. View Curriculum>>

Admission Procedures

All applicants are advised to see a counselor upon making application for entrance into the college.

MISSION SUCCESS

Students interested in a degree program need to participate in MISSION SUCCESS, an assessment, welcome and counseling program designed to assist you with entry to Southwestern.

COMPASS, a computerized assessment program designed to identify your skill levels in math, reading and language usage, is the first step in MISSION SUCCESS. Next, the welcome session provides you with information about the college, its resources and services. In the counseling session, you can discuss your academic needs and plans with a counselor. You will receive an interpretation of your assessment scores so that you can prepare to register for classes.

Admission to the program

The admission procedures for the Culinary Arts and Food Management program are described fully in Southwestern's catalog and are in accordance with Illinois law. For more information about the Culinary Arts and Food Management program, call: (800) 222-5131, ext. 5436 or 6689.

Enrollment in Southwestern's Culinary Arts and Food Management program is open to individuals who have earned a high school diploma, are transferring from another college or university or have earned a GED certificate.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the current tuition rate, contact Southwestern's counseling Office at (618) 235-2700, ext. 5206. A full-time student in the degree program will spend about $3,300 for tuition. In addition, there will be a lab fee of up to $200 per class session for food and supplies needed for the Professional Food Preparation, and Baking and Pastry classes.

Southwestern's tuition and fees are subject to change at any time. Information about student scholarships, grants, loans and employment is available from the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.

Workforce Investment Act funding also may be available to qualified students. For information, contact the Center for Training Innovations at (618) 235-2700, ext. 5201.

For more information about the Culinary Arts and Food Management program or MISSION SUCCESS, contact a counselor at the Belleville Campus, (618) 235-2700, ext. 5206; the Granite City Campus,
(618) 931-0600; or the Red Bud Campus, (618) 282-6682.

Graduation Requirements

You must complete 70 credit hours to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts and Food Management. The program is divided into four semesters that can be completed in two years; part-time students will need more time to complete the program. Summer classes are offered. The certificate options can be completed in one or two semesters.

It is the policy of Southwestern Illinois College to grant equal educational opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin/ancestry, disability, sexual preference, or age. All academic, extracurricular, research and other educational programs and activities are non-discriminatory.