Culinary Arts Program

Program Overview

The Culinary Arts program is designed for students who are interested in becoming professional cooks, chefs, bakers, pastry chefs, institutional cooks, kitchen managers and those who intend to transfer to a four-year college. This program offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the culinary arts in a real-world environment. Students who join the American Culinary Federation prior to successfully completing the AS degree program requirement will be eligible for certification upon successful completion of their cumulative practical exam.

Contact Information

Degree & Certificates

Associate in Science – Culinary Arts with a specialization in Culinary Arts (61-63 credits)

The Associate in Science degree, Culinary Arts with a specialization in Culinary Arts, is designed for students who are interested in becoming professional cooks and chefs and those who intend to transfer to a four-year college. It offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the culinary arts in a real-world environment. Students who join the American Culinary Federation prior to successfully completing the AS degree program requirements will be eligible for certification upon successful completion of their cumulative practical exam(s).

Associate in Science – Culinary Arts with a specialization in Pastry Arts (60-62 credits)

The Associate in Science degree, Culinary Arts with a specialization in Pastry Arts is designed for students who are interested in becoming professional bakers and pastry chefs and those who intend to transfer to a four-year college. It offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the pastry arts in a real-world environment. Students who join the American Culinary Federation prior to successfully completing the AS degree program requirements will be eligible for certification upon successful completion of a cumulative practical exam.

Associate in Science – Culinary Arts with a specialization in Institutional Food Service Management (61-62 credits)

The Associate in Science degree, Culinary Arts with a specialization in Institutional Food Service Management is designed for students who are interested in becoming professional cooks, food and dietary technicians, kitchen managers and Culinologists primarily in food service institutions and for those who intend to transfer to a four-year college. This program option offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the Culinary Arts in a real-world environment. Students who join the American Culinary Federation (ACF) prior to successfully completing the AS degree program requirements will be eligible for ACF certification upon successful completion of their cumulative practical exam(s).

Certificate of Achievement – Culinary Arts (39-44 credits)

The Certificate of Achievement, in Culinary Arts is a three-semester program of study. This program option is designed for students who are interested in gaining technical skills for skilled-level positions in hotels, restaurants, and institutions. It offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the culinary arts in a real-world environment. Students who join the American Culinary Federation prior to successfully completing the Certificate of Achievement program requirements will be eligible for certification upon successful completion of their cumulative practical exam(s).

Certificate of Competence – Culinary Arts (12 credits)

The Certificate of Competence, Culinary Arts, is designed as a one-semester program of study. This program option is designed for students who are interested in obtaining entry-level jobs in hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, and coffee shop kitchens. Technical cooking skills, the development of proper work habits, attitudes, professionalism, and the practice of safety and sanitation procedures are stressed. It offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the culinary arts in a real-world environment.

Advanced Professional Certificate – Culinary Arts (18 credits)

The Advanced Professional Certificate in Culinary Arts is a two-semester program of study. This program option is designed for students who have obtained their AS degree in Culinary Arts with a specialization in Culinary Arts and are interested in becoming chefs and/or for those who intend to continue into the BAS in Culinary Management program offered by the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu. The challenge provided to each candidate will be to apply the basic knowledge and skills learned from the prerequisite AS degree program to advanced-level culinary management courses.

Certificate of Competence – Culinary Competition (8 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Culinary Competition is a two-semester program of study. It offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in culinary arts to all aspects in an American Culinary Federation (ACF) culinary competition. The certificate allows students to apply technical cooking skills, effective communication skills and develop proper work habits, attitudes, professionalism, teamwork, fiscal responsibility, and practice safety and sanitation procedures.

Certificate of Competence – Dining Room Services (8 credits)

The Certificate of Competence, Dining Room Service, is a one-semester program of study. This program option is designed for students who are interested in obtaining entry-level front-of-house jobs in restaurants and hotel food and beverage departments. Dining room service and supervision techniques, sanitation and safety procedures, and effective communication skills are stressed. This program is recommended for students who wish to seek immediate employment as line-level dining room personnel, but with the skills required to progress into supervisory level positions.

Certificate of Competence – Pastry Arts (16 credits)

The Certificate of Competence, Pastry Arts, is a one-semester program of study. This program option is designed for students who are interested in becoming professional bakers and pastry chefs and those who intend to transfer to a four-year college. It offers students the opportunity to apply and practice skills learned in all aspects of the pastry arts in a real-world environment. Students who join the American Culinary Federation prior to successfully completing the AS degree program requirements will be eligible for certification upon successful completion of a cumulative practice exam.

Program Information

ACFEF Program Data

ACFEF Required Program Outcomes
AS Degree Culinary Arts/Patisserie 2020 2021 2022
Job Placement Rate
Perkings 4P-1 (student placement data)
73.12% 78.95% 78.95%
ACF Certification Rate 0% 0% 0%
Graduation Rate
students who complete within 150% of the published time for the program
18.64% 19.40% 20.41%

2022 Annual Report of Program

Potential Careers and Employers

Our graduates are working with organizations such as Roy’s, Top of Waikiki, MW Restaurant, Diamond Head Market & Grill, Sheraton Hotels in Hawai‘i, Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, Halekulani, and Disney.

Program Outcomes

Associate in Science – Culinary Arts with a concentration in Culinary Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the AS degree program in Culinary Arts with a concentration in Culinary Arts, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the fundamentals of baking science to the preparation of a variety of products.
  • Use and care for equipment normally found in the bakeshop or baking area.
  • Differentiate between the varieties of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and assess their affinity to foods.
  • Explain laws and procedures related to responsible alcoholic service.
  • Perform mathematical computations related to foodservice operations.
  • Demonstrate a variety of types of dining room service.
  • Demonstrate quality customer service.
  • Develop skills in knife, tool and equipment handling and apply principles of food preparation to produce a variety of food products.
  • Operate equipment safely and correctly.
  • Apply laws and regulations relating to safety and sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Demonstrate skills in producing a variety of cold food products including items appropriate for buffet presentation including decorative pieces.
  • Prepare for transition from employee to supervisor.
  • Evaluate styles of leadership and develop skills in human relations and personnel management.
  • Access information on hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Apply the principles of menu planning and layout to the development of menus.
  • Describe the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage.
  • Apply the principles of nutrient needs throughout the life cycle to menu planning and food preparation.
  • Demonstrate the overall concept of purchasing and receiving practices in quality foodservice operations.
  • Apply quality standards and regulations governing food products to the purchasing function.
  • Receive and store food and non-food items properly.
  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Value cross-cultural perspectives that will allow them to effectively function in the global community.
  • Value ethical practices in both personal and professional situations.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professional.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities.

Associate in Science – Culinary Arts with a concentration in Pastry Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the AS in Culinary Arts with a concentration in Pastry Arts, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Apply the knowledge of the hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Develop skills in knife, tool and equipment handling and apply principles of food preparation to produce a variety of food products.
  • Operate equipment safely and correctly.
  • Apply knowledge of laws and regulations relating to safety and sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Demonstrate the overall concept of purchasing and receiving practices in quality foodservice operations.
  • Apply knowledge of quality standards and regulations governing food products to the purchasing function.
  • Receive and store food and non-food items properly.
  • Describe the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage.
  • Apply the principles of nutrient needs throughout the life cycle to menu planning and food preparation.
  • Prepare for transition from employee to supervisor.
  • Evaluate styles of leadership and develop skills in human relations and personnel management.
  • Perform mathematical functions related to foodservice operations.
  • Apply the fundamentals of baking science to the preparation of a variety of products.
  • Use and care for equipment normally found in the bakeshop or baking area.
  • Develop skills in more advanced decorating techniques and more complex preparations of pastry, confections and dessert products.

Associate in Science – Culinary Arts with a concentration in Institutional Food Service Management

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the AS degree program in Culinary Arts with a concentration in Institutional Food Service Management, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the fundamentals of baking science to the preparation of a variety of products.
  • Use and care for equipment normally found in the bakeshop or baking area.
  • Differentiate the varieties of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and assess their affinity to foods.
  • Explain laws and procedures related to responsible alcohol service.
  • Perform mathematical computations related to foodservice operations.
  • Demonstrate a variety of types of dining room service.
  • Demonstrate quality customer service.
  • Develop skills in knife, tool and equipment handling and apply principles of food preparation to produce a variety of food products.
  • Operate equipment safely and correctly.
  • Apply laws and regulations relating to safety and sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Demonstrate skills in producing a variety of cold food products including items appropriate for buffet presentation including decorative pieces.
  • Prepare for transition from employee to supervisor.
  • Evaluate styles of leadership and develop skills in human relations and personnel management.
  • Access information on the hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Apply the principles of menu planning and layout to the development of menus.
  • Describe the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage.
  • Apply the principles of nutrient needs throughout the life cycle to menu planning and food preparation.
  • Demonstrate the overall concept of purchasing and receiving practices in quality foodservice operations.
  • Apply quality standards and regulations governing food products to the purchasing function.
  • Receive and store food and non-food items properly.
  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Assess the specialized skill sets required in the effective management of institutional food service establishments.
  • Value ethical practices in both personal and professional situations.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professional.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities.

Certificate of Achievement – Culinary Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Culinary Arts, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the fundamentals of baking science to the preparation of a variety of products.
  • Use and care for equipment normally found in the bakeshop or baking area.
  • Differentiate the varieties of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and assess their affinity to foods.
  • Explain laws and procedures related to responsible alcoholic service.
  • Perform mathematical computations related to foodservice operations.
  • Demonstrate a variety of types of dining room service.
  • Demonstrate quality customer service.
  • Develop skills in knife, tool and equipment handling and apply principles of food preparation to produce a variety of food products.
  • Operate equipment safely and correctly.
  • Apply laws and regulations relating to safety and sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Demonstrate skills in producing a variety of cold food products including items appropriate for buffet presentation including decorative pieces.
  • Prepare for transition from employee to supervisor.
  • Evaluate styles of leadership and develop skills in human relations and personnel management.
  • Access current information on hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Apply the principles of menu planning and layout to the development of menus.
  • Describe the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage.
  • Apply the principles of nutrient needs throughout the life cycle to menu planning and food preparation.
  • Demonstrate the overall concept of purchasing and receiving practices in quality foodservice operations.
  • Practice quality standards and apply regulations governing food products to the purchasing function.
  • Receive and store food and non-food items properly.
  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Value cross-cultural perspectives that will allow them to effectively function in the global community.
  • Value ethical practices in both personal and professional situations.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professional.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities.

Certificate of Competence – Culinary Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Culinary Arts, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Access current information on hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Develop skills in knife, tool and equipment handling and apply principles of food preparation to produce a variety of food products.
  • Operate equipment safely and correctly.
  • Apply laws and regulations relating to safety and sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professional.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities.

Advanced Professional Certificate – Culinary Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Advanced Professional Certificate in Culinary Arts the student should be able to:

  • Apply the fundamentals of baking science to the preparation of a variety of products.
  • Use and care for equipment normally found in the bakeshop or baking area.
  • Differentiate between the varieties of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and assess their affinity to foods.
  • Explain laws and procedures related to responsible alcoholic service.
  • Perform mathematical computations related to foodservice operations.
  • Demonstrate a variety of types of dining room service.
  • Demonstrate quality customer service.
  • Develop skills in knife, tool and equipment handling and apply principles of food preparation to produce a variety of food products.
  • Operate equipment safely and correctly.
  • Apply laws and regulations relating to safety and sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Demonstrate skills in producing a variety of cold food products including items appropriate for buffet presentation including decorative pieces.
  • Prepare for transition from employee to supervisor.
  • Evaluate styles of leadership and develop skills in human relations and personnel management.
  • Access information on hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Apply the principles of menu planning and layout to the development of menus.
  • Describe the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage.
  • Apply the principles of nutrient needs throughout the life cycle to menu planning and food preparation.
  • Demonstrate the overall concept of purchasing and receiving practices in quality foodservice operations.
  • Apply quality standards and regulations governing food products to the purchasing function.
  • Receive and store food and non-food items properly.
  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Value cross-cultural perspectives that will allow them to effectively function in the global community.
  • Value ethical practices in both personal and professional situations.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professional.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities.
  • Evaluate current relevant issues in the foodservice industry of Hawai`i that may include sustainability, environmental, political, and/or cultural topics.
  • Apply a critical thinking process of identifying, analyzing and developing solutions as they apply to financial and fiscal accountability in the foodservice industry.
  • Evaluate organizational development, human resources, laws and legal codes that have been established within the local, state and federal government with specific application to food and beverage industry.
  • Explain the process of determining customer needs in marketing to a global market, from concept and product development, pricing strategies, advertising and promotion, and methods of distribution of foodservice goods and services.
  • Design and prepare recipes for a menu while balancing nutrition, the use of fresh products, and the final product’s texture, color, and flavor.
  • Value the impact and challenges of managing alcoholic beverage sales and service in food service operations.

Certificate of Competence – Culinary Competition

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Culinary Competition the student should be
able to:

  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Value cross-cultural perspectives that will allow them to effectively function in the global community.
  • Value ethical practices in both personal and professional situations.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professional.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities

Certificate of Competence – Dining Room Services

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Dining Room Service, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Access current information on hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Perform dining room service functions using a variety of types of service.
  • Demonstrate quality customer service.
  • Differentiate the varieties of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and assess their affinity to foods.
  • Explain laws and procedures related to responsible alcoholic service.
  • Prepare for the transition from employee to supervisor.
  • Evaluate styles of leadership and develop skills in human relations and personnel management.
  • Value ethical practices in both personal and professional situations.
  • Practice standards in behavior, grooming and dress that reflect the mature work attitude expected of industry professionals.
  • Apply the experience of service-learning to both personal and academic development by becoming involved in community service activities.

Certificate of Competence – Pastry Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence, Pastry Arts, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the basic principles of sanitation and safety and be able to apply them in the food service operations.
  • Reinforce personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer.
  • Apply the knowledge of the hospitality industry and career opportunities in the field.
  • Investigate trade publications and professional organizations appropriate for continuing education.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of departments within hospitality and foodservice establishments.
  • Apply the fundamentals of baking science to the preparation of a variety of products.
  • Use and care for equipment normally found in the bakeshop or baking area.

“The new Culinary Institute of the Pacific campus will give Hawai‘i’s culinary arts graduates an excellent venue to earn higher culinary arts credentials here in Hawai‘i.”

Jared S. Kaya, Program Graduate, Kapi‘olani Community College

Culinary Forms & Documents