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.
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, Baking, 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.
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
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