Create Culinary Excellence
Design memorable menus and craft dishes that captivate the senses.
Owens’ Culinary Arts, AAS offers you a comprehensive, hands-on education that prepares you for success in the professional kitchen. Over two years, you’ll progress from foundational skills in baking and food preparation to advanced plating techniques and kitchen operations—all while earning a marketable degree that blends theory with practice.
Professional competencies that distinguish culinary leaders:
- Culinary Expertise and Innovation: Apply precise techniques, develop signature dishes and uphold the high standards that define exceptional culinary professionals.
- Professionalism and Collaboration: Excel in high-pressure kitchen environments, foster effective teamwork and build the trust essential to kitchen leadership.
- Adaptability and Passion: Maintain composure in dynamic settings, optimize performance during service and pursue continuous growth through curiosity and creativity.
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
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality
Required Credit Hours
64-67
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)
Lead Kitchens with Strategic Skill & Insight
You’ll become equipped with the technical skills and managerial proficiency required to excel in today’s competitive foodservice industry. The curriculum begins with foundational instruction in food safety, cooking methods, and baking and pastry arts. You’ll then advance to specialized topics such as nutrition, menu development, global cuisines and cost control.
Practical experience is central to this program. You’ll refine your skills in the student-operated Terrace View Café, participate in hands-on practicums and complete professional internships that prepare you for real-world culinary environments. The program also integrates liberal arts electives to support well-rounded professional development.
Program highlights:
- Culinary Competency: Training in food preparation, baking and pastry, American regional and international cuisines, healthy cooking techniques and garde manger (cold food preparation).
- Kitchen and Restaurant Management: Instruction in recipe development, dining room and beverage service, purchasing and cost control, supervisory skills, and catering and banquet operations.
- Nutrition and Food Safety: Core knowledge in nutrition basics and ServSafe certification to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Career Outcomes
Graduate prepared to take on leadership roles in a wide range of professional kitchens. With a strong foundation in culinary technique, kitchen management and food safety, you’ll be ready to pursue positions such as executive chef, sous chef or private chef.
Whether managing restaurant operations, overseeing institutional foodservice or curating personalized dining experiences, your education equips you to excel.
Industry-recognized certifications:
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification: Earned through the NRAEF certification exam
- Ohio Department of Health Manager Certification in Food Protection (Level II): Earned through the NRAEF certification exam
- Certified Culinarian (CC) credential: Available through the American Culinary Federation, further validating your professional expertise and enhancing your credibility in the field
Your degree is more than a credential—it’s a launchpad for a rewarding and impactful culinary career. This program is designed for aspiring chefs who are ready to turn their passion into a profession—preparing graduates to make an impact in the culinary industry.
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.