The Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. The curriculum prepares students for a career in culinary arts that may lead to an executive chef position with industry experience. In addition to hands-on cooking and baking coursework, students will learn about guest services, cost analysis, menu development, wine and spirits, and event planning. Opportunities include competing in food competitions and being a part of OCC’s award-winning Ice Carving Team.
Fill out our inquiry form to register for a Culinary Orientation Session.
For general questions call (248) 246-2501.
According to the National Restaurant Association, food service and restaurant workers account for 10% of all workers in Michigan.
The demand for culinary professionals is on the rise, with another 31,900 jobs expected by 2029 nationally.
To prepare for this influx, employers are looking for culinary professionals with the skills and abilities needed to be successful in this competitive industry.
Culinary and hospitality careers involve much more than cooking:
Culinary experts may even serve in financing and human services departments, run public soup kitchens, or perform government work creating food-related policies. Culinary graduates can also expand into food photography, public cooking demonstrations, or work at lecturing in universities. Other opportunities include menu design, culinary establishment consulting, food writing and even working in test kitchens.
Explore Program Outcome information for the Culinary Arts Degree program.
Michigan is home to a diverse mix of eclectic cuisine. Many award-winning chefs received
their training at the Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College.
OCC competition teams are nationally recognized with alumni and students winning prestigious
awards for technical skills and industry achievement.
Culinary competition opportunities are available for all students in the program. OCC’s Ice Carving team has been National Ice Carving Champions for 11 of the past 14 seasons. For the past 10 years, OCC ice carvers have had more than 50 first-place finishes in ice carving competitions and gone on to win the National Ice Carving Championships in Frankenmuth.
Chef Doug is a multi-award-winning chef and educator, with Culinary Institute of America honors, World Culinary Olympics medals, and Food Network championships. He's a long-time instructor at Oakland Community College and currently serves as department chair and executive chef at Orchard Lake Country Club.
Students who want to take the next step in exploring their culinary career, should attend one of the in-person or virtual orientation sessions below.
Students are required to attend an informal orientation to learn about the program
requirements and scheduling prior to taking CUL-1011. The session lasts for approximately
one hour. CUL-1010 may be taken before the orientation.
Orientation sessions are mandatory for all students applying to the Culinary Program. Each session...
Fill out our inquiry form to register for a Culinary Orientation Session. For general questions call (248) 522-3700.
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.
Christina Santos
Phone: (248) 246-2500
We are located at:
Royal Oak Campus
E Building
739 S. Washington Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
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