Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Hands-On Chef Training for Restaurants & Hospitality Careers
Turn Your Passion for Food into a High-Growth Culinary Career in DC metro area — with demand rising for trained culinary professionals across restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional foodservice, an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from Columbia College prepares graduates for entry-level roles, with room to advance into chef de partie, executive chef, private chef, or food service manager.
Our Culinary Arts program offers hands-on chef training in professional kitchens, guiding students from foundational to advanced coursework in Professional Cooking Foundations, Global Cuisine & Food Production, Baking, Pastry & Artisan Breads, Nutrition, Service & Kitchen Operations, Career Preparation.
A Renovated, Professional Training Kitchen & Lecture Room — Built for Real-World Culinary Skills
Practice in a professional teaching kitchen designed to reflect real-world foodservice environments. Build hands-on skills using industry-style equipment, tools, and kitchen workflows.
Learn from Experienced Culinary Professionals
Learn directly from culinary professionals who bring real-world kitchen experience, industry knowledge, and professional techniques into every class. Our instructors share the skills, standards, and insights gained through their culinary careers—helping students train with confidence for restaurant and hospitality environments.
Made by Our Culinary Arts Students
These dishes are made by our Culinary Arts students—practicing real techniques, building confidence, and creating food they are proud to serve.
Federal Student Aid Notice
Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Eligibility and estimated award amounts are determined based on information provided on the FAFSA®. Final financial aid offers are determined by the school. To apply or learn more, visit StudentAid.gov.
Meet Our Alumni — Thanaphon Theerarat
Culinary Arts Alumnus | Now Working at Hyatt Regency Tysons
“Columbia College gave me the opportunity to develop real kitchen skills and prepare for a career in culinary arts. After a field trip, the College connected me with an internship opportunity at Hyatt Regency Tysons. I appreciated the convenient location, supportive instructors, and clean, well-equipped teaching kitchen. My instructors helped me build practical skills and understand what it is like to work in a professional kitchen. I recommend Columbia College to anyone who wants to become a chef. If you are serious about studying Culinary Arts, Columbia College is a great place to start.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage for chefs and head cooks, with faster-than-average job growth projected — and in major markets like DC, salaries often run even higher, making this a stable, well-paid path for those who combine formal training with hands-on experience.
Educational Outcomes/Settings
Graduates gain the hands-on skills and professional training needed to launch entry-level careers in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional foodservice across the DC metro area — combining kitchen labs with coursework in food safety, production, baking, nutrition, and kitchen management to prepare real-world, job-ready chefs and cooks.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in Restaurants, Hotels, Catering Companies, and other foodservice operations such as :
- Line Cook
- Prep Cook
- Kitchen Assistant
- Garde Manger
- Pastry Assistant
- Baker’s Assistant
- Catering Assistant
- Food Preparation Worker
- Banquet Kitchen Assistant
Median Salary
$74,250
per year$35.70
per hourIdentification
- •Passport
- •Driver's License
- •State-issued ID
Education History
- •Diploma/school transcript (at least high school)
- •General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- •DD-214 form
Application Fee
Domestic$100
International$200
International Applicants
F-1 Student Visa
- •Initial Enrollment
- •Transfer-In with I-20
- •Change of Status
- •1+1+1 Program
J-1 Exchange Visitor
- •College/University Student
- •Au Pair
Learn more about our Global Education Programs
Non-Native English Speakers
CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments) English Test to define the English level.
Compliances & Guidelines
Industry Associations
