Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts

Next Start Date

Jul 6, 2026

Next Financial Aid Deadline

Jun 26, 2026

Tuition & Costs

$27,200Based on course selections/session

Duration

7–8 sessions70–80 weeks

Credits

Online Learning

Hybrid

Program Level

Associate Degree

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The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts program offers hands-on training in culinary methods and techniques through lab-based and classroom instruction. Students progress through foundational, intermediate, and advanced coursework designed to prepare them for diverse roles in the culinary field. The curriculum covers both theory and practice, equipping students with the essential skills to meet industry standards. Key topics include sanitation and safety, baking, culinary production, nutrition, customer service, and kitchen management. Upon completion, graduates will be qualified for entry-level positions in the culinary industry.

The growing appetite for diverse dining experiences and the rise of food delivery services have fueled demand for skilled culinary professionals, creating stable employment opportunities and driving salary growth. A Culinary Arts degree or certificate from Columbia College opens doors to careers such as Executive Chef, Private Chef, or Food Service Manager. With chef salaries in D.C. above the national average, now is the perfect time to pursue a rewarding culinary career in this thriving industry! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), employment of culinarians is "estimated to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations." Individual growth will vary by specialty, and cooks with training and related work experience will have the best job prospects.

Median Salary

$42,280

per year

$20.33

per hour

Mean Wage in DC-VA-MD-WV, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025.

Career Services Where Our Graduates Work

Identification

•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.

How to Apply Admissions Apply for Financial Aid

Instructors in the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts program are skilled professionals with specialized education and hands-on experience in the field.

Beverly Coakley

- BA in Food Business Management from The Culinary Institute of America. - Experience at The Connaught Hotel in London, working in the restaurant operated by Chef Gordon Ramsay’s group. - Executive Pastry Chef for multiple fine dining and hotel establishments in the Washington, DC area. - Named Pastry Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington in 2013. Teaching professionally since 2015.

Noree Hatheway

- Master of Science in International Hospitality Management. - Pastry Arts Certificate from L’Academie de Cuisine. - Trained under former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. - Extensive luxury hotel background, including several years as Executive Pastry Chef with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. - Teaching since 2009.