Culinary Arts: Career Associate

Culinary Arts: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the vibrant and dynamic food industry. This program offers a balanced mix of practical kitchen skills, culinary theory, and business understanding, equipping graduates with the tools necessary to excel in various culinary environments such as restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. Students will engage in hands-on training in state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, where they will learn fundamental techniques in cooking, baking, food safety, and sanitation. The curriculum emphasizes not only the art and science of cooking but also includes lessons on menu planning, cost control, and nutrition, fostering a well-rounded culinary education.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to develop their palate, creativity, and leadership skills, preparing them for diverse roles within the culinary industry. The program also emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication, which are critical for success in fast-paced culinary environments. Internships and cooperative education experiences are often integrated into the curriculum, providing real-world experience and industry connections that can lead to employment opportunities after graduation. The associate degree program is designed for individuals passionate about food and hospitality who aspire to work as chefs, kitchen managers, or culinary entrepreneurs. Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in culinary techniques, food presentation, and operational management.

Harrisburg Area Community College's Culinary Arts: Career Associate program is committed to fostering innovation and excellence in culinary arts education. Students will benefit from experienced instructors, modern facilities, and a curriculum aligned with industry standards, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of a competitive job market. This program is ideal for those seeking a practical, career-focused education that combines classroom learning with extensive culinary practice, paving the way for a successful and fulfilling career in the culinary industry.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 106 Business Writing  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective (Rec: MATH 100)  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
CULI 100 World of Wine  1 
CULI 102 Applied Hospitality Math  2 
CULI 113 Sanitation & Safety  2 
CULI 133 Culinary Arts I  5 
CULI 143 Culinary Arts II  5 
CULI 153 Culinary Arts III (D)  5 
CULI 205 Restaurant Operations I  2 
CULI 206 Restaurant Operations II  2 
CULI 207 Restaurant Operations III  2 
CULI 291 Culinary Arts Practicum  3 
HTMT 101 Intro to Hospitality Industry  3 
HTMT 104 Nutrition for Food Service  3 
HTMT 110 Menu Design & Marketing  3 
HTMT 122 Food Purchasing, Receiving, & Storing  3 
HTMT 125 Dining Room Management  3 
HTMT 231 Cost Control: Food & Labor  3 
HTMT 251 Hospitality Supervision  3 
  

Other Required Courses   
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business   3 
   

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Compose a complete meal using standardized recipes: hors d’oeuvres, soups, stocks, salads, sauces, meats, poultry, game, seafood, vegetables, first courses, starches, sandwiches, and desserts

Fabricate meat portions from primal cuts of meat, whole poultry and fish

Produce a wide variety of baked goods, pastries and confections

Demonstrate decorative skills, including garnishing and cake decorating

Show skills necessary for efficient management, including personnel supervision and cost control

Write and speak effectively

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Culinary Arts: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a professional career in the culinary industry. This program offers comprehensive training in the fundamentals of cooking, baking, food safety, and kitchen management. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art culinary labs, enabling them to develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

The curriculum typically includes courses in culinary techniques, nutrition, menu planning, food presentation, and sanitation. Emphasis is placed on both classical and contemporary cooking methods, ensuring graduates are well-versed in various culinary styles. The program also aims to instill professional ethics, teamwork, and communication skills essential for success in the hospitality industry.

Graduates of this associate degree program may pursue various career paths such as line cooks, sous chefs, catering managers, or openings in hotel kitchens and restaurants. The program may also offer internship opportunities that provide real-world experience and industry connections, often leading to employment post-graduation.

Harrisburg Area Community College supports students through dedicated faculty with industry experience, modern facilities, and career services that assist with job placement and internships. The duration of the program is typically two years, and it is designed to be accessible for students seeking a practical and fast-track pathway into culinary careers. Financial aid options and transfer pathways to four-year culinary programs may also be available, depending on individual student circumstances.

Overall, the Culinary Arts: Career Associate program aims to provide a solid foundation in culinary arts, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel and advance in the dynamic and competitive foodservice industry.