Culinary Arts
MCTC's Culinary Arts Program prepares you in all facets of food preparation and presentation and assist you in developing your own creative culinary style.
You will receive instruction on basic to advanced cooking skills including meat, fish and poultry fabrication; garde manger (cold food preparation); charcuterie (sausage, pate, terrine preparation); baking; pastry art; and more. Coursework also covers tableside cooking, menu design, restaurant operations, management principles, nutrition, safety and sanitation.
You will receive extensive hands-on training in MCTC's cooking labs and in the student-operated dining room, which is open to the public. You also have the opportunity to participate in numerous community service events where you can apply banquet, buffet, and catering culinary knowledge and techniques.
To successfully participate in the program, you must be able to lift 25 lbs, have the endurance to stand for several hours at a time, and have good eye-hand coordination.
All students must purchase uniforms, knife and baking kits, and textbooks plus cover field trip costs.
MCTC has an articulation agreement with Metropolitan State University that permits transfer of the A.A.S. in Culinary Arts to the B.A.S. in Hospitality Management.
Degrees, diplomas and certificates
- Culinary Arts A.A.S. Degree
- articulation: B.A.S., Food Service/Culinary Arts, Metropolitan State University
- Culinary Arts Diploma - Fall Start
- Culinary Arts Diploma - Spring Start
- Baking Certificate
- Culinary Arts Certificate
Refer to the 2009-10 College Catalog for the requirements to degrees, diplomas and/or certificates available through the Culinary Arts program.
Read MCTC's articulation agreements with other colleges and universities.
Faculty/staff listing
Frequently asked questions
- How much does MCTC's Culinary Arts program cost?
- The cost per credit tuition rates for both residents and non-residents may be found on the "How much are tuition and fees" webpage located in the Current Students section of our website. Also, financial aid is available to qualified students.
- Are there any additional costs for this program?
- Other costs include a set of knives, a baking set, 2 uniforms, text books, and a calculator. The approximate cost for these supplies is $700.00 and you may purchase them from the MCTC bookstore. Occasional field trips may require an additional nominal fee.
- What additional requirements are needed to enter this program?
- You must fulfill certain academic requirements to begin coursework in this program. A comprehensive listing of requirements is available on the website.
- Where would I work once I complete the Culinary Arts program?
- As a graduate of this program, you may qualify for a career as a chef or cook and work in such places as hotels, resorts, country clubs, catering, and cruise lines or in hospital and healthcare centers.
- What is the average wage in this career?
- An average entry-level position for cooks and chefs in the Twin Cities starts at $9.50 per hour but is increasing industry wide. The amount you can make will also depend on your experience and area of specialty. This program has a very impressive list of graduates who hold positions of responsibility and ownership here in the Twin Cities as well as abroad.
- What makes MCTC the best choice to start a career in Culinary Arts?
- Our small class size allows students to get a hands-on approach to all facets of food preparation and presentation from instructors that are certified by the American Culinary Federation. The downtown Minneapolis campus is on a bus line, close to restaurants as well as convention and hotel hubs, providing potential for local employment opportunities.
- What if I want to pursue a 4-year degree?
- If you are seeking a 4-year degree, MCTC is part of the Minnesota General Education Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) which makes transfer to other 2- and 4-year public colleges virtually seamless. MCTC has an articulation agreement with Metropolitan State University where you can apply your MCTC Culinary and general education coursework toward a 4-year degree.
