Culinary Arts AAS
Degree: AAS
Location(s): North Carolina
Length: 2 years
Internship: Required, 12 credits
Credits: 61
Make Food Your Future
Learn the craft and art of cooking — backed by business and management skills, food safety, menu costing and teamwork. JWU Charlotte’s Culinary Arts associate in applied science (AAS) degree program focuses on developing practical culinary craft skills, understanding classical and contemporary cooking methods, and building team-based leadership skills that translate to professional kitchens.
Cook with ingredients from a global pantry using high-quality ingredients from local farms and fisheries. Learn to develop recipes, implement cost controls, and earn a Conference for Food Protection approved Food Safety Manager Certification.
Hone your skills through competitions and skills classes. Take advantage of the RATIONAL FIT Speaker series, career fairs and other on-campus opportunities to network with industry leaders, employers and alumni.
Then apply all of these skills and experiences through a term of work experience at an internship site in your field of interest, a valuable opportunity to help you build your résumé and make industry contacts.
Credits Major Courses | ||
| CUL1100 | Introduction to Culinary Skills and Techniques | 3 |
| CUL1210 | Breakfast & Lunch Cafe | 3 |
| CUL1320 | Elements of a la Minute Cooking | 3 |
| CUL1410 | Contemporary Cooking & Leadership Functions | 3 |
| CUL2510 | Contemporary Restaurant Operations and Management | 3 |
| CUL2610 | Baking and Pastry Concepts for Culinary Operations | 3 |
| CUL2710 | Banquets and Catering | 3 |
| CUL2810 | Global à la Carte | 3 |
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| College of Food Innovation & Technology Intermediate Internship | ||
Study Abroad | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| FSM1165 | The Food Safety Manager | 1 |
| FSM2045 | Introduction to Menu Planning and Cost Controls | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Communicating | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Connecting | 3 | |
One course with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), at the 2000 level | ||
| Measuring | 3 | |
| A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student’s placement) | ||
| Exploring | 3 | |
SCI1050 Nutrition | ||
| A&S Elective | 3 | |
One course with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC) | ||
| Total Credits | 61.0 | |
Admission is contingent upon meeting the technical standards for this program.
Lessons in Flavor & Business
Charlotte culinary nutrition students recently worked with Flavor Seed, a local organic seasoning company. “We’re helping to raise awareness about the brand as well as learning culinary and business lessons,” explains Sara Tweedle ’23.
Build Career-Ready Skills
There are so many ways to put your learning into action, from internships to study abroad, or competitions to skills classes. Ways to maximize your experiences include:
As you advance, ways to put your learning into action include:
- Honing your professional skills in a fast-paced hotel, restaurant, country club, resort, casino or retail internship.
- Gaining industry experience through study abroad options.
- Pitching your food entrepreneurship ideas at SharkFest.
Labs and Classrooms
Our labs are outfitted with the latest equipment, where you’ll learn advanced techniques in classical/international cuisines, garde manger, patisserie/dessert, and dining room operations — while developing proficiency in financial management and food safety.
Career Possibilities
- Executive Chef
- Product Development Chef
- Private Chef
- Food Service Manager
- Resort/Club Management
- Sommelier
- Restaurant Owner
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
What Can You Do Next?
After completing your Culinary Arts associate degree, continue your education by enrolling in one of the following JWU bachelor’s degree programs:
Study in Charlotte, N.C.
Faculty Contact
Jennifer Gallagher, M.S., CEC, CWE, DWS, CDM
Assistant Dean
College of Food Innovation & Technology
980-598-1479
jennifer.gallagher@jwu.edu