Culinary Arts (AAS), Culinary Arts Concentration

School of Business & Information Technology (BIT)

The mission of CNM’s Culinary Arts Program is to teach innovative trends in the hospitality/food service industry, while providing an atmosphere for learning that encourages student growth, teamwork and diversity, that result in life-long learning and employment in the hospitality/food service industry.

Culinary Arts is an excellent field for individuals seeking a challenging career in a rapidly growing industry. The associate degree is a four term program. Students will study baking and pastry, professional cooking, safety, sanitation, nutrition, equipment use, human relations, supervisory skills, dining room skills, business practices and other general coursework. Classes include classroom and lab time.

This program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation’s Accrediting Commission. Upon completion of the associate of applied science degree program, students are eligible to become certified culinarians and/or certified pastry cooks through ACF depending on the concentration chosen. ACF accreditation assures that a program is meeting at least a minimum of standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum and student services. For more information about ACF go to acfchefs.org. Students may participate in culinary competitions with ACF, SkillsUSA and other extracurricular activities.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Educational Option Information

• This educational option can be completed: Part-time or full-time. Full-time students can complete the program in four terms.
• This educational option can be started: Any term
• Primary course location: Main Campus; some theory courses are offered online

Special Requirements

• Students are required to purchase chef’s uniforms, textbooks, and tools.
• Students should be able to lift 30 pounds
• Students must be able to stand for the duration of the laboratory class.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This is a financial aid eligible program.

  • Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule

  • Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.

Educational Opportunities

Students completing the certificate may also receive certificates in Food Service Management, and Culinary Fundamentals.

Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.

Career Opportunities

Jobs are available in restaurants, casinos, resorts, schools, retirement homes, hospitals, cruise ships, catering companies, convention centers and other areas. Types of employment range from business owners, to bakers or cooks and managers or chefs and include employment opportunities from the fast food industry to fine dining.