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Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Culinary Arts

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology’s Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts is a comprehensive two-year program that provides hands-on culinary training, food service knowledge, and restaurant management skills.

In addition, the AAS in Culinary Arts program offers two concentration options—Food Studies and Baking and Pastry. Through the program of study, you are well prepared to pursue exciting careers in the growing food service industry with robust cooking, baking, food preparation, and kitchen management skills.

Culinary Arts Program Outcomes

Guided by experienced chefs, you can learn to apply advanced culinary techniques to prepare and create various gourmet dishes following food safety guidelines. Through comprehensive training, you also acquire skills in restaurant and HR management, which prepares you for leadership roles in the professional kitchen.

By completing the associate degree in Culinary Arts at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, you develop the ability to:

  • Select ingredients and develop flavor profiles with knowledge of nutrition
  • Apply classic and contemporary culinary techniques to prepare a variety of cuisines
  • Employ food safety practices in food preparation and foodservice operations
  • Design menus and develop new dishes with a creative mindset
  • Manage assets through proper budgeting and cost control
  • Work in professional kitchens with teamwork skills and leadership skills
Culinary Arts Plan of Study
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Why Earn Your Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from OSUIT?

Hands-on Culinary Training

Culinary arts students learn through hands-on training utilizing the latest technology in fully equipped kitchen labs. You can gain valuable real-world experience by operating Okmulgee’s finest restaurants, the State Room and the Tech Room.

Known for famous grand buffets, visitors come from all over the region to enjoy the unique dining experience. You also have the opportunity to earn a paycheck while pursuing your associate degree through culinary internships.

World-class Faculty

OSUIT’s Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts program offers a diverse faculty of chefs who bring many years of experience at the executive chef level. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students can learn in an engaging environment and have the opportunity to obtain personal instruction from our expert faculty.

Affordable Culinary Degree

OSUIT strives to provide quality education at an affordable price. The tuition of the associate degree in Culinary Arts is only $6,702 per trimester, half the in-state tuition for most state universities. Learn more about our Cost and Aid.

Transfer-friendly

Our AAS in Culinary Arts program is transfer-friendly. If you have previously earned college credits or relevant industry experience, you may transfer up to 75 qualified credits to accelerate your graduation and save thousands on tuition.

Nearly 100 Percent Job Placement

The career-focused AAS in Culinary Arts program prepares you to jumpstart your career in the food industry upon your successful completion of the associate degree. Within six months of graduation, nearly 100 percent of OSUIT graduates report job placement.

Financial Aid Options

Various federal and state-funded financial aid programs are available to students enrolled in the associate degree in Culinary Arts program at OSUIT. Student financial aid awards depend upon two factors: financial need and availability of funds. To determine need, applicant financial circumstances are evaluated. Explore your financial aid options.

 

AAS in Culinary Arts Program Curriculum

The Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts program curriculum includes a total of 90 credit hours of comprehensive study and hands-on classes. Besides general education and interdepartmental requirements, the curriculum requires students to complete 50 credits of culinary core courses and 18 credits of concentration electives.

In addition, the culinary arts program allows students to customize their studies according to their career interests with two concentration options—Food Studies and Baking & Pastry.

See the full list of courses in the detailed AAS in Culinary Arts curriculum.

Food Studies Required Courses

The Food Studies concentration option offers the following courses to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the emerging topics and current trends in the restaurant industry.

  • Meat Fabrication
  • American Cuisine
  • International Cookery
  • Culinary Arts Capstone

Baking & Pastry Required Courses

Designed for those who are passionate about pastry arts, the Baking & Pastry concentration option offers professional courses to enhance students’ key skills in baking.

  • Advanced Baking
  • Cake Decorating
  • Tortes & Gateaux
  • Showpieces
  • Artisan Breads
  • Culinary Arts Capstone - Baking & Pastry
 

Admission Requirements

If you are interested in applying to the AAS in Culinary Arts program, please submit the following materials:

  • Application for Admission
  • ACT or SAT test scores
  • Official high school transcript
  • Official college transcripts (if applicable)

Learn more about OSUIT’s Admission Requirements.

Learn More about the Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Earn an associate degree in Culinary Arts to jumpstart your exciting career in the food service industry. Apply to OSU Institute of Technology’s Culinary Arts program today!

Have more questions about the program? Call an enrollment advisor at 918-293-5030, or complete the Request for Information form.

About Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Founded in 1946, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is a recognized leader in applied technology education and is known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry and a nearly 100 percent career placement rate.

OSUIT programs of study are approved by the Board of Regents for Oklahoma State University and the A&M Colleges, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency. OSUIT, a public state-supported institution, has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1975.