The Culinary Arts program at Orange Coast College provides an in-depth course of study recognized and accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission. Studies consist of a Basic Certificate of Achievement, which becomes the first stage of the Advanced Certificate of Achievement. A student could proceed to the Associate in Arts degree by completing the general education requirements for graduation.

Orange Coast College further offers a three-year training program in Cook Apprenticeship, which provides for a 40-hour work week under the guidance of an approved Chef, while attending classes, to complement the skills attained on the job.

The heart of the Culinary Arts program is hands-on laboratory instruction, which is reinforced by supplemental lectures.

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Program Outcomes:

• Culinary Arts: The outcome of the Culinary Arts Program is to meet the needs of the world-wide culinary community by preparing students for entry-level employment in a commercial kitchen.
• Advanced Culinary Arts: The outcome of the Advanced Culinary Arts Program is to meet the needs of the world-wide culinary community by preparing students for employment as professional and competent culinarians.

• Baking & Pastry: The outcome of the Baking and Pastry Program is to meet the needs of retail and wholesale baking and pastry establishments, by preparing students for entry-level employment as professional and competent bakers, pastry cooks, or pastry entrepreneurs.

• Cook Apprenticeship: The outcome of the Cook Apprenticeship Program is to meet the needs of the world-wide culinary community by preparing students for employment as a professional and competent culinarians and certification as a cook by the American Culinary Foundation.