Keystone logo
Ozarka College AAS Culinary Arts
Ozarka College

Ozarka College

AAS Culinary Arts

Melbourne, USA

Associate of Applied Science

English

Sep 2026

On-Campus

Key Summary

    About: The AAS Culinary Arts program focuses on developing essential culinary skills through hands-on training. Students will learn various cooking techniques, food safety, and nutrition, preparing them for diverse roles in the culinary field. The program emphasizes practical experience and creativity in menu planning and food presentation.
    Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue a range of culinary careers, including positions as chefs, kitchen managers, or catering coordinators. Opportunities may also exist in food service management and culinary education.

The Culinary Arts program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that will provide the foundation and specialized study on the culinary field through academic, laboratory, and field experience. The required general education courses enhance the experience. This program prepares its graduates for careers in restaurants, clubs, hotels, catering operations, and institutional food service. Students interested in entering the Culinary Arts Program must enroll in Ozarka College as a student, submit all admissions requirements, and arrange a meeting with program advisors to be interviewed and discuss requirements and entry into the program. After students have met with program advisors, they will be scheduled for classes subject to space in the program. Students will attend the Melbourne campus and must attend required Culinary Activities.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Culinary Arts Degree, the graduate will:

Demonstrate appropriate usage of industry standards in sanitation and safety for foodservice operations.

Practice standards of professionalism, including ethical behavior, communication, and grooming codes required for the industry.

Prepare high-quality food products using appropriate ingredients and equipment.

Apply nutrition and merchandising principles to menu planning, purchasing, and food production.

Perform dining room customer service and catering functions.

Communicate correctly and accurately in both written and verbal messages.

Apply and use basic mathematical calculations correctly.

Students will work two semesters in our Culinary Cafe or an alternate commercial foodservice establishment approved by the Culinary Program Director, gaining experience in all aspects of running a food establishment. Students also gain practical experience through a variety of campus functions and a 2 credit internship to be performed at a community business. Successful completion of the program will result in graduating with an AAS in Culinary Arts and as a Certified Culinarian through the American Culinary Federation.