Culinary Arts


College Credit Certificate   |   Program Code: 081900   |   Catalog: 2026-2027


Costa Magoulas, Dean, 386-506-3578, Costa.Magoulas@daytonastate.edu

Lisa Allen, Administrative Specialist, 386-506-3946, Lisa.Allen@daytonastate.edu

Program Overview

Mission:

The Culinary Arts Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level employment in the hospitality industry through a curriculum that integrates theory and hands-on culinary training. The program develops professionally responsible individuals who contribute to employers and the broader hospitality community.

Description:

This program provides students with foundational food service and culinary skills necessary for entry-level employment as a restaurant cook. The curriculum emphasizes cooking techniques, sanitation and safety, culinary nutrition, and food production. Students complete ServSafe certification prior to program completion.

The program includes competency-based, applied learning that supports:

  • Technical culinary skills
  • Employability skills
  • Problem solving
  • Workplace professionalism
  • Hospitality industry knowledge

Continue Your Education

Apply this certificate toward:

  • Culinary Management A.S.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Identify the organization and functions of the culinary industry.
  2. Demonstrate food preparation and service skills.
  3. Demonstrate sanitation and safety practices.
  4. Apply employability skills in culinary environments.
  5. Apply mathematics used in culinary operations.
  6. Analyze recipe costs and portion sizes.
  7. Demonstrate equipment operation and maintenance.
  8. Analyze labor, fire, and liquor laws affecting the culinary industry.
  9. Plan purchasing and receiving procedures.
  10. Demonstrate preparation techniques for cooking.

Completion Requirement:

  • Earn a grade "C" or better in all program-specific and prerequisite courses.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grants, loans, and work programs available, see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information, see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Career and Labor Market Information

Graduates may pursue employment in Culinary Arts-related fields, including roles such as Culinary Arts occupations. In the Brevard-Flagler-Volusia workforce region, approximately 3,420 workers are employed in these occupations, with an average annual salary of $53,810 and 274 annual job openings.

SOC Alignment 35-1011 – Chefs and Head Cooks
35-1012 – Food Service Managers
Demand Alignment Aligned to Region 27 labor-market demand data used for catalog review
Average Hourly Wage $25.87
Average Annual Salary $53,810
Annual Job Openings 274
Regional Employment Approximately 3,420 employed

Occupational Overview: Direct and participate in preparation of food.

Wage Distribution: 10th percentile: $34,260 | 50th percentile: $53,810 | 90th percentile: $78,440.

Data Sources: CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Regional Demand Occupations List; FloridaCommerce Employment Projections Region 27; BLS OEWS Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach MSA; SOC 35-1011 and 35-1012.

Note: It is never too early to prepare for your career. Log in to the Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board to create your account, submit your resume for review, search for employment opportunities, and practice your interviewing skills through Big Interview. For assistance, contact Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

Program Specific Courses

35 Credits

FOS1201Sanitation and Safety

3.00

FSS1063CBaking and Lab

3.00

FSS1202CFood Production I and Lab

3.00

FSS1222CFood Production II and Lab

3.00

FSS1270Introduction to Craft Beer and Wine

3.00

FSS2210CFood Production III and lab

3.00

FSS2284CCatering and Buffet Management and Lab

3.00

HFT1940CHospitality Practicum I (Basic) and Lab

3.00

HFT1941CHospitality Practicum II (Intermediate) and Lab

3.00

HFT2942CHospitality Practicum III (Advanced) and Lab

3.00

HUN1203Culinary Nutrition

3.00

HFT1937Selected Topics in the Hospitality Industry

2.00

 

Sample Program of Study

Fall Semester

FOS1201Sanitation and Safety

3.00

FSS1063CBaking and Lab

3.00

FSS1202CFood Production I and Lab

3.00

FSS1222CFood Production II and Lab

3.00

HUN1203Culinary Nutrition

3.00

 

Spring Semester

FSS1270Introduction to Craft Beer and Wine

3.00

FSS2210CFood Production III and lab

3.00

FSS2284CCatering and Buffet Management and Lab

3.00

HFT2942CHospitality Practicum III (Advanced) and Lab

3.00

HFT1937Selected Topics in the Hospitality Industry

2.00

 

Summer Semester

HFT1940CHospitality Practicum I (Basic) and Lab

3.00

HFT1941CHospitality Practicum II (Intermediate) and Lab

3.00

Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.

Total Credit Hours: 35