White Mountains Community College is proud to offer a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts in addition to its degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. The Culinary Arts degree trains students in a wide range of traditional and modern culinary skills and techniques. Students learn introductory core culinary foundational skills including the production of soups and sauces, hot food techniques, Garde Manger, yeast bread production, and patisserie. Upon successfully mastering the core foundational skills, students will study advanced techniques in Regional American, Classical, and International cuisines. Charcuterie, buffet, and banquet production are also addressed in this degree program. Students receive training in ice and edible food carvings while studying theory related to food and baking. Students will demonstrate professionalism, food service management strategies, table service skills, food nutrition principles, menu construction, restaurant design, and food safety. Students will develop critical thinking and communication skills necessary for long-term career success in the food service industry. Graduates of the Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts will have the skills required to hold a variety of positions in the food service industry, such as chefs, sous chefs, bakers, food production supervisors, food purchasing agents, food service instructors, and restaurant owners.
In addition to taking traditional culinary classes, students will gain additional industry experience by working at a college approved co-op site. As a requirement for graduation, students must also successfully complete a final practical exam during their senior year. We are also very proud to offer students the ability to earn a dual degree in both Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts which only requires those interested to attend WMCC for one additional year on a part-time basis.
Students must purchase three sets of uniforms prior to the start of the semester. Information on the uniforms, as well as a list of any additional items and materials students will need to purchase, will be provided by email. Included in the cost of tuition is a set of professional chef knives, which will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Associate Degrees
Many students who are in the Culinary Arts program choose to also earn a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Students may earn additional associate degrees either by concurrent completion of the requirements of the several degrees or by subsequent study after the first degree is received.
The requirements for earning additional degrees are as follows:
- Complete all requirements of each program of study, including general education requirements not in common with the additional program(s), and
- Earn a minimum of fifteen (15) additional credits at the college, beyond those required for the first and subsequent degrees, excluding Credit by Examination, Credit for Experiential Learning, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Transfer Credit.