Food Service Foundations

Whether you want to start a restaurant, become a renowned executive chef, or make the most fantastic ice sculptures, it all begins with the basics. Give yourself a strong start on your food service career by learning the basics first.

Certificate Program

Culinary Arts - Food Service Foundations (CUL.FSF.CT)

Start Strong: Cooking School as It Should Be

Cooking school as it should be:

All the foundational skills in one package
Intro to commercial kitchen equipment and operations
Time to practice and perfect
Feedback and context so you keep getting better

Working kitchens are busy places — practice in ours first.

Claim Your Spot

Use the form to reserve your orientation spot.

Master Cooking Skills in Sequence

In the kitchen, you handle sharp knives, hot pans, and high pressure—all at once. Master each new skill one at a time in this program, layering basic skills into a masterpiece.

At OCC, you practice in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. Your classes are small and your instructors attentive. Class by class, assignment by assignment, you build the foundation to be your best chef self.

One Year Here = Better Options Ahead

You can earn the Food Service Foundations certificate in about a year. Learn knife skills, baking, and volume banquet service—everything you need to find your best spot in the varied and dynamic food industry.

You could spend years on the job learning these foundational skills. Or learn the basics here, get the certificate for your resume, and start carving your own path.

Sharpen All Your Skills

Brew a complex, flavorful stock. Plan a menu. Manage guests and staff. Cut your own chops—your career options open when you sharpen all the skills required in food service and the culinary arts.

In a few years, come back to place a baking or hospitality certificate on top of your foundation. Stack classes on until you’ve finished your college degree—all the while gaining experience in the field and living your passion.

The Culinary Studies Institute's New Home

The OCC Culinary Studies Institute gives students the most up-to-date culinary learning facility in Southeast Michigan. The 78,000-square-foot addition to the Royal Oak campus features:

3 classrooms
2 demonstration kitchens
5 teaching kitchens
1 third-floor restaurant with 360-degree views of downtown Royal Oak

Choose Full-Time or Part-Time

The Food Service Foundations Certificate is the first credential for your culinary arts schooling. Start in the fall, take four classes in each of two terms, and you will be done in a year.

Alternatively, take two to three classes at a time to finish in two years. Cooking is all about balance—this certificate helps you find yours.

Food Safety First

Prior to your first class for the certificate, you need to have passed the national ServSafe Manager’s Certification Test (within the last two years).

If you need to prepare for and take the ServSafe test, start with OCC’s Food Standards, Sanitation and Hygiene class (CUL 1010).

Apply Now

Begin your studies with these steps:

Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
On the application, select your desired Culinary Arts option.
Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Student Update Information Request form.

Reserve Your Spot for Orientation

Spend an hour or two with us virtually to get started on the right foot. It’s mandatory if you’re applying to any culinary program.

Please don't fill out this input box.

Full Name*

Email Address*Submit your full email address, including the "@" symbol and the TLD (.com, .edu or other)

Phone Number*Submit your full phone number including the area code, ex: (248) 555-5555

Which program are you interested in?

Associate in Applied Science - Culinary Arts

Hospitality Management Certificate

Baking & Pastry Arts Certificate

Food Service Foundations Certificate

How would you like to attend orientation?*

In-person

Virtual - via Zoom

Attendance Date?*(Please choose a date listed above.)

Prepare to Transfer – Even if You Are Not Planning to Today!

By planning early and working with an OCC Counselor throughout your OCC experience you will be able to maximize your OCC applicable credits upon transfer. If you are pursuing an associate in applied science you may be able to satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement by taking as few as four additional courses, saving you time, money and aggravation! Regardless of your program of study, OCC has many Transfer Credit Agreements with colleges and universities to assist with navigating your way to a bachelor’s degree. Visit the College Transfer Success Guide webpage for additional information and resources.