If food is your passion, it’s time to get out of your kitchen and join us in ours!
Our program is designed to educate and develop future leaders for the culinary profession with a curriculum that blends a combination of practical cooking experiences, foodservice comprehension, and business application.
In addition to gaining culinary skills, you will learn how to create menu items that are nutritious, marketable, and profitable; realize the balance between culinary creativity and business operation realities; understand the responsibilities of safe food production and service; and become acquainted with the various career pathways within the profession.
A program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
Graduates of the Culinary Arts program will be able to:
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are many specifically for students enrolled in Culinary Arts and other hospitality programs.
School Year: 2023–24
Program Entry Semester: Fall
Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Credit Hours per Semester | 18 | 17.5 | 13.5 | 18 | 67 |
In-State Tuition | $3,780 | $3,675 | $2,835 | $3,780 | $14,070 |
Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $200 |
Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $30 | $67.50 | $39 | $20.25 | $156.75 |
Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $595 | $700 | $473 | $590 | $2,358 |
Course/Section Fees | $360 | $855 | $270 | $135 | $1,620 |
Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Tool Sets | $342 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $342 |
Uniforms | $281.35 | $0 | $221.50 | $0 | $502.85 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost | $5,438.35 | $5,347.50 | $3,888.50 | $4,575.25 | $19,249.60 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
In order to begin classes in the Culinary Arts program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
In addition to hands-on learning in Kirkwood's state-of-the-art culinary labs, students are immersed in the business operations of Kirkwood's Four Diamond Hotel, including food and beverage operations at The Class Act restaurant.
Culinary students experience a local, regional, or national internship at reputable food service establishments. Students also have the opportunity to travel abroad and immerse themselves in international food and culture through Kirkwood's various study abroad partnerships.
Prior to graduation, Kirkwood culinary students host a Culinary Showcase, where they design, prepare, and execute a multi-course presentation and dining experience for more than 100 members of the community.
The career possibilities for a culinary arts graduate are as varied as the ingredients in the kitchen. Here are some of the career paths you can take:
Students in this program earn the National Restaurant Association's Food Protection Manager's ServSafe Certificate. ServSafe is the national, industry-based food safety certification for food service managers.
Because this program is fully accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission, graduates are provided with an opportunity for nationally-recognized certification upon completion of the program.
Students receive hands-on training and gain practical experience in management, food preparation, and food and beverage service. Coursework includes kitchen essentials, culinary techniques, food fundamentals, international cuisine, bakery basics, applied culinary skills, and menu planning.
In addition to hands-on learning in the kitchen labs, a separate industry internship allows students to apply their program learning within various other segments of the culinary arts industry. Kirkwood students have completed internships locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Educate and develop future leaders for the culinary profession.
“I think some people have a negative connotation about community college, but I feel like I got a lot more out of my experience at Kirkwood than I would have at a four-year institution.”
Julia Crouse,
Culinary Arts Graduate
Read more about Julia Crouse' story on the Kirkwood Online Newsroom.
Hospitality Arts
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
319-848-8770
hospitalityarts@kirkwood.edu