Ignite Your Culinary Ambitions
Whisk, sizzle and sauté your way to a culinary career.
Transform your passion for food into a career through Owens’ intensive Culinary Arts Certificate program. In just two semesters, you’ll gain hands-on experience and develop industry-standard skills in baking, cooking, kitchen operations and event management—preparing you to thrive in any professional culinary setting.
Nationally accredited by the American Culinary Federation, this affordable and immersive program blends creativity with technical expertise, offering daily opportunities to explore new flavors and refine your craft. Whether your goal is to become a sous chef, launch a food truck or build a career doing what you love, Owens provides the foundational knowledge and practical training employers value.
Key competencies for culinary excellence:
- Creativity and Passion: Bring innovation and enthusiasm to every dish, elevating the dining experience.
- Precision and Efficiency: Execute consistent, high-quality results under pressure with attention to detail.
- Teamwork and Ambition: Collaborate effectively in fast-paced environments while striving for professional growth.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Technical Certificate
Department
Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality
Required Credit Hours
31
See What's Cooking
8-12
Students in lab settings—low student-instructor ratio for hands-on learning
320
Hours of co-op practicum in the student-run Terrace View Café
75
Mile radius (the only accredited culinary program in NW Ohio and SE Michigan)
From Curious Cook to Confident Culinarian
This certificate program bridges the gap between classroom instruction and hands-on experience. You’ll refine your skills in a professional setting—including your opportunity to showcase your culinary creations at the student-operated Terrace View Café.
Begin with essential coursework in recipe development, nutrition science, ServSafe certification, front-of-house operations and business computing—core competencies for any culinary professional.
Progress to specialized training in baking and pastry arts, garde manger (cold kitchen techniques) and an introduction to hospitality facility design. The program culminates in a capstone practicum, where you’ll apply your knowledge in a real-world culinary environment.
Graduate prepared to enter the workforce immediately or continue your education. All certificate credits seamlessly transfer into Owens’ Culinary Arts Program, AAS, offering a clear path for academic and professional advancement.
Career Outcomes
Step into the culinary industry with confidence. Upon completion of Owens’ Culinary Art Certificate program, you’ll be equipped with the technical expertise and practical experience to enter professional kitchens with confidence. From gourmet cooking and pastry arts to baking fundamentals, your training opens doors across a wide spectrum of culinary environments.
You’ll earn the ServSafe Manager Certificate and the Ohio Department of Health Manager Certification in Food Protection (Level II) by successfully completing the NRAEF certification exam. Graduates are also eligible for the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential through the American Culinary Federation—an industry-recognized designation that enhances your professional credibility and employability.
Whether you begin your career as a line cook, join a bakery to pastry skills or enter the dynamic world of catering, your education prepares you for diverse roles in:
- Fast-paced restaurant kitchens
- High-precision hotel culinary operations
- Creative institutional and event-based food service
Your certificate is more than a credential—it’s a launchpad for a rewarding culinary journey. Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
IN THEIR WORDS
“I’ve never been in a kitchen of this size, let alone with the equipment, so it was definitely an experience. Am I doing this right? Am I flipping it right? Why is it doing this? Why is this chemical reaction going on? It was definitely an experience.”
Jennifer Lesko, Culinary Arts, ‘25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Accreditation
The Culinary Arts Certificate program is nationally accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF); and was awarded Exemplary status in 2024. For more information concerning accreditation standards, contact the American Culinary Federation, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095.