Culinary Arts Certificate
The Culinary Arts Certificate program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of culinary venues. Students learn knowledge, skills, and techniques demanded by the culinary industry through classroom instruction and laboratory classes.
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 hourMean Wage in DC-VA-MD-WV, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025.
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 Applicants
This program is currently unavailable for international students
Non-Native English Speakers
CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments) English Test to define the English level.
Compliances & Guidelines
Industry Associations
