Explore Culinary Studies

Culinary Arts Degree

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.

Degree Plan

Culinary Arts (CUL.AAS)

Start Your Someday Today!

Fill out our inquiry form to register for a Culinary Orientation Session.
For general questions call (248) 522-3700.

The demand for culinary professionals is on the rise!

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.

Careers in Culinary

Culinary and hospitality careers involve much more than cooking:

Food Service Management
Dietitian
Food Science
Food safety policy
Food Manufacturing
Agriculture
Entrepreneur
Research and Development
Test Kitchen Chef
Corporate Hospitality

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.

OCC Culinary Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Youhanna

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: Culinary Champion, Educator, and Leader

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.

Culinary Orientation

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.