Your Associate Degree in Culinary Arts is a ticket to an exciting career and a gateway to continuing degree opportunities. As a Culinary Arts student, you will receive intensive practical training in all aspects of food preparation and presentation, and be prepared to step into the culinary world with career-ready skills. Classes are led by professional chefs and focus on hands-on training and learning through real-life experiences.
Why Earn Your Culinary Arts Degree at GRCC?
- Our flexible, hands-on courses focus on skills you need to compete in a global market.
- Training is led by real-world experts in baking and pastry arts, catering and banquet organization, classical and American regional cookery, dining room service and restaurant operations.
- This culinary program includes transfer opportunities to earn a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University.
- Classes include unique electives like Culinary Competition courses, Cuisine and Culture Study Away Programs and Cake Decorating.
- Graduates are prepared to accept jobs as cooks and chefs in excellent restaurants, hotels, motels, resorts, and for-profit as well as non-profit institutions.
Culinary Arts Program Tuition Calculator
GRCC is an affordable option for anyone seeking to attend culinary school in Michigan. Our tuition calculator can help you estimate the cost of your degree. You may also qualify for financial aid and other scholarships, so be sure to schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about your options to pay for college.
Please note that this calculator does not include additional student costs like books, parking or travel. These costs are an estimate only and do not constitute a contract or binding agreement of costs to attend Grand Rapids Community College.
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Additional Program Information
Transportation Required
Some courses may require class field trips and/or travel to internship sites. Students are responsible for their transportation and any associated travel costs.
Essential Abilities and Technical Standards
The Grand Rapids Community College Secchia Institute for Culinary Education faculty has specified essential abilities and technical standards critical to the success of students in any GRCC Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Personal Chef Program.
Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in their program of study. A full list of essential abilities and technical standards is available in the catalog.
Perkins Data
Some of GRCC’s programs receive federal funding from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V). These programs are required to report on Core Indicators to determine if they meet the state’s expected performance level. View Core Indicators for Culinary Arts, A.A.A.S.
Culinary Success Stories
Chef Darrin Mayweather
“At first, I was just passing classes. I didn’t believe in myself until after my first semester. Sixteen years later, I’m still working in the kitchen. I am 100% happy about the path I chose.”
Learn Career-Ready Skills
“GRCC’s programs allow any learner to get a quick start in a wage-earning skill. There are plenty of opportunities for people with a certificate or an associate degree.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Culinary Arts A.A.A.S.
Still have questions about our Culinary Arts program? Read through our frequently asked questions below or reach out to the Culinary Department directly at culinary@grcc.edu or (616) 234-3690.
How long does culinary school take?
GRCC’s Culinary Arts program will take two years to complete if you are a full-time student. Our programs offer flexible options for students who need to fit education into their already busy lives. We also offer certificates in areas such as Baking and Pastry Arts or Personal Chef, if you are looking to earn in-demand skills in a shorter time frame.
How much does culinary school cost?
Use the tuition calculator to estimate the cost of earning your Culinary Arts, A.A.A.S. at GRCC. Please note that this does not include costs like books and transportation, and is not an official estimate.
Additionally, many students qualify for scholarships and financial aid like Michigan Reconnect or the Michigan Community College Guarantee, which can significantly reduce tuition.
Please schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about how to pay for college.
Is a culinary degree worth it?
Yes, a culinary degree is worth it! A Culinary Arts Associate Degree from GRCC leads to exciting career opportunities in a high-growth industry. With your degree and a few years of experience, you could work as a sous chef or chef in a professional kitchen, a food and beverage manager, or even a personal chef.
How to get into culinary school?
Applying to GRCC’s Culinary Program is easy. Your first step is to submit an online application and select the Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Brewing Pathway. From there, our advisors will help you enroll in the right classes for your degree.
What classes are required for Culinary Arts?
Your culinary classes at GRCC will include culinary skill development, fundamentals of baking and pastry, catering and banquet organization, dining room services, menu planning, restaurant operations and more. To earn your associate degree, you must also complete coursework from the General Education course list.
A full course list, including General Education and Electives, is available in the catalog.
What can you do with a Culinary Arts degree?
A Culinary Arts Degree from GRCC is a pathway to an exciting career or continuing education options. With your associate degree, you will be prepared for a career as a sous chef or chef in a restaurant, resort or hotel, front-of-house positions like food and beverage manager, or ready to start your own catering company or personal chef service.
GRCC also offers transfer opportunities to Ferris State University for students looking to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Additional Information
Want to learn more about this area of study?
Visit the Department of Secchia Institute for Culinary Education
Questions about this program?
Department email: culinary@grcc.edu
Department phone: (616) 234-3690
