One Department - Many Career Options

The Culinary Studies Institute offers five programs,
giving you many options in the Hospitality field.

The largest of the Institute's programs, Culinary Arts gives students a combination of classroom and hands-on experience. In addition to plenty of time in the kitchen labs cooking and baking, specialties such as ice carving and wine and spirits are covered. As a student, you will participate in events such as the annual Wassail Feast and operation of the Ridgewood Cafe, a restaurant located at the Orchard Ridge Campus. It's not only about cooking--you will also learn the management techniques and skills necessary to become an executive chef, and if your goal is to own your own restaurant the Culinary Studies Institute is for you.

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) and the Michigan Chefs De Cuisine, in conjunction with the Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College has provided the well-trained and educated chefs for the Detroit, Michigan area since 1978. The program was developed by renowned Master Chef Milos Cihelka, CMC/AAC, and has fostered a tradition of excellence throughout the years, including twice receiving the Kraft Foods Apprentice Program Honor Award.  In 2001 the ACF accreditation evaluation team commended the program for maintaining the highest standards in culinary training. Please call our Apprentice Coordinator, Chef Kevin Enright, CEC/CCE/AAC, for more information at 248.522.3710.

Deserts, wedding cakes and breads are the focus of this program. Pastry chefs are sought after by restaurants, hotels, private clubs and catering companies. In just one year you can learn the special skills it takes to turn out edible works of art.

The Restaurant Management degree offers unique courses to develop skills in supervision, leadership, culinary arts, cost analysis, and wines and spirits. Hands-on experience coordinating and managing special events at the Culinary Studies Institute rounds out your education.

This degree prepares you for the business of managing a hotel or motel from the inside out. Classes focus on guest services, human resources, marketing, profitability and hotel operations.