Culinary Arts

Do you love to cook and receive the appreciation and genuine reactions from your guests? Will you lead the industry with the best sustainable practices, the next trend in cuisine or the steadiness of a businessperson? As a chef, how will you compete in this fast-paced career?

Interested in this program?

Why should I choose this program?

Begin your journey or energize your career with a Culinary Arts credential from HFC and get on track to cook and serve the food and beverages that customers want. As a cook, sous chef, or executive chef, you have the opportunity to use your energy, attention to detail and artistry in places like hotels, restaurants, bistros, casinos, resorts and catering venues.

Begin today with a skills certificate and Serv-Safe food safety certification, complete an American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF)- accredited associate degree and Certified Culinarian certification and then finish with the Bachelor of Science degree, all at HFC without the hassle of transfer, loss of credits, travel or paid parking associated with other more costly education and training options.

What skills will I learn and improve?

  • Create classic and contemporary dishes and meals in our production-based hands-on classes starting in your first semester;
  • Learn the basics of baking, nutrition, menu development, food safety and cost control;
  • Develop business and communications skills by participating in the operations of a full-service restaurant, quick service café and campus catering operations;
  • Prepare appetizers and entrees including steaks, poultry, fresh fish, pastas and salads for the Fifty-One-O-One student-run restaurant, Culinary Wellness cafe and special events; and
  • Gain on-the-job experience and put your knowledge into action with a paid internship at one of many local employers including gourmet markets, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and catering venues.

What are my career opportunities?

Median Salary

You may work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Full Service Hotels
  • Resort and Travel Destinations
  • Fine Dining Restaurants
  • Food Sales and Marketing
  • Catering
  • Sports, Leisure, and Event Services

Program features and benefits

  • Professional TV studio kitchen

    You'll produce a 10-minute broadcast-quality culinary video during A'la Carte class.

  • Programs are ACF Accredited

    Our culinary arts programs are all fully accredited through the American Culinary Federation.

  • HFC Ice Carving Club

    The club provides the opportunity to participate in community events that promote ice carving and allow members to display their work.

  • Garden Maintenance

    You will have the chance to produce herbs, lettuce, vegetables and flowers as a culinary arts student.

Stack Your Certificates & Degrees

Progress bar indicating 18 credits completed

Take 18 credits to graduate with:

  • Culinary Skills Certificate
  • ServSafe® Food Safety Certification
Progress bar indicating 71 credits completed

Take additional 53 credits to graduate with:

  • Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • ServSafe® Alcohol Certification
  • ACF Certified Culinarian
  • Internship experience
Progress bar indicating 87 credits completed

Take additional 16 credits to graduate with:

  • Hotel/Restaurant Management Associate Degree
Progress bar indicating 120 credits completed

Take additional 33 credits to graduate with:

  • Bachelor's of Science Degree
  • Additional Internship experience
  • Business, Arts + Sciences Core
ACF and ACFEFAC accreditation logos

Faculty

Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.

FT Faculty - Hospitality
epgackenbach@hfcc.edu
313-317-1572
FT Faculty - Hospitality
jclick@hfcc.edu
313-845-9651
FT Faculty - Hospitality
jecosenza@hfcc.edu
313-317-4117
FT Faculty - Hospitality
lmmitruska@hfcc.edu
313-317-6533