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Approach Food in an Exploratory Fashion
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts
Brightwater's Culinary Arts program prepares you to become a professional culinarian who approaches food in an exploratory fashion. You'll be immersed in the culinary world, learning every aspect of the food system - how food is grown, transported and processed. You'll also understand the impact that flavor and food has on human health and the environment.
As a culinary arts student, you will have the opportunity to grow food at Brightwater's greenhouse, learn butchery and charcuterie skills, methods of food preservation, and study culinary nutrition by following an innovative curriculum. You'll also be able to move outside the classroom and engage with chefs, farmers and other food entrepreneurs and work in various positions within the local community.
By valuing an inquiry-based learning approach, Brightwater instructors will not only help you master specific culinary techniques, but will also challenge you to apply those skills in your own innovative way.
Upon completion of the program, you'll feel equipped to view food as more than just food, but as a connection to culture, art, environment and the community.
Courses
CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer Information
ENGL 1013 Composition I
ENGL 1023 Composition II
Choose ONE
MATH 1003 Survey of Technical Math OR
MTCM 1003 Comm and Math for Workforce AND MATH 1001 Special Topics Surv Tech Math
MATH 1204 College Algebra with Review *
* Students intending to transfer to a 4 year institution should take College Algebra
FDST 1013 Food Safety
FDST 1023 Foundations
FDST 1103 Culinary Nutrition
FDST 1503 Beverage Management
FDST 1603 Cost Control
FDST 1033 Sauces
FDST 1043 Methods
FDST 1203 Baking
FDST 1403 Butchery and Charcuterie
FDST 2013 Seasonal Kitchen
FDST 2003 World Cuisine
FDST 2013 Seasonal Kitchen
FDST 2023 Events Catering
FDST 2803 Culinary Capstone
Food Studies Elective
FDST 2903 Internship **
** FDST 2911 Practicum I, FDST 2921 Practicum II, and FDST 2931 Practicum III, may
substitute for FDST 2903 Internship
Degree, Costs & Careers
NWACC proudly offers students an accessible and affordable higher education. Visit the Treasurer's office for detailed fees.
Remember, financial aid is available for eligible students.
In addition to tuition costs, students will be responsible for the approximate cost of the items listed below to complete the program:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
| Uniform | $150 |
| Culinary Set | $250 |
| Textbooks | $400 |
| Lab Fees | Visit the Treasurer's office |
Uniforms, textbooks, and culinary sets are available through the NWACC Bookstore.
Opportunities continue to be endless in the food industry as it is always evolving and innovating. Brightwater's programs prepare you for a career that fits your specific skills, personality and aspirations.
Receiving an AAS degree focusing in Culinary Arts will allow you a chance to progress rapidly in the industry in an array of diverse settings.
Some opportunities include:
- Caterer
- Executive Chef
- Food Stylist
- Recipe Developer
- Restaurant Owner
- Chef Instructor
- Food Journalist
- Cookbook Author
- Food Photographer
- Sous Chef
- Personal Chef
- Butcher
- Cafeteria Manager
Program Outcomes
As you progress through Brightwater's Culinary Arts program, you'll obtain a spread of knowledge and skills. View the information below to learn more.
Cost Control
- Analyze the effects of various costs—including time—on financial sustainability.
Entrepreneurship
- Develop, communicate, and implement a plan for a successful business.
Food Safety
- Continually evaluate and maintain a clean, safe environment for employees and customers, and comply with relevant codes.
Professionalism
- Interpersonal: Communicate clearly, effectively, efficiently, and appropriately with colleagues, superiors, and guests.
- Work ethic: Exceed employer expectations for appearance and behaviors.
Food Systems
- Evaluate the impact of one’s work on people, the planet, and profits, and demonstrate stewardship of resources.
Culinary/Baking Techniques
- Use effectively the fundamental processes and methods for food preparation.
For more information, view frequently asked questions.