Culinary Arts

Culinary Pathway Overview:

Our culinary program offers a dynamic and comprehensive journey into the culinary world, equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the culinary industry, starting from your freshman year throughout your senior year.

Freshman: Principles of Hospitality

​​​​Principles of Hospitality and Tourism introduces students to an industry that encompasses lodging, travel and tourism, recreation, amusements, attractions, and food/beverage operations. Students learn knowledge and skills focusing on communication, time management, and customer service that meet industry standards. Students will explore the history of the hospitality and tourism industry and examine characteristics needed for success in that industry.

Sophomore: Introduction to Culinary Arts

Introduction to Culinary Arts will emphasize the principles of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the management of a variety of food service operations. The course will provide insight into the operation of a well-run restaurant. Introduction to Culinary Arts will provide insight into food production skills, various levels of industry management, and hospitality skills. This is an entry level course for students interested in pursuing a career in the food service industry. This course is offered as a classroom and laboratory-based course.

Certifications: Texas Food Handlers (valid 2 years)

Junior: Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts begins with the fundamentals and principles of the art of cooking and the science of baking and includes management and production skills and techniques. Students can pursue a national sanitation certification or other appropriate industry certifications. This course is offered as a laboratory-based course.

Senior: Practicum in Culinary Arts

Practicum in Culinary Arts is a unique practicum that provides occupationally specific opportunities for students to participate in a learning experience that combines classroom instruction with actual business and industry career experiences. Practicum in Culinary Arts integrates academic and career and technical education; provides more interdisciplinary instruction; and supports strong partnerships among schools, businesses, and community institutions with the goal of preparing students with a variety of skills in a fast-changing workplace.

Certifications: Food Managers License (valid five years)