Culinary Specialist - Technical Diploma
If you’d like to turn your passion for cooking into a creative and rewarding career, you could be a great fit for the Culinary Specialist program. Grads will be prepared for employment in the food service industry through training and practical experience in food preparation, sanitation, nutrition, marketing, dining trends, catering, management and work ethics. Plus, grads will possess a working knowledge of culinary vocabulary, the ability to work as members of a team and the confidence to operate in a variety of fast-paced environments. The program includes testing for a National Restaurant Association Certification.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $5,586, Books: $534, Supplies: $425
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=313162
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- Submit high school, GED, or HSED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable) to transcripts@nwtc.edu
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Apply principles of safety and sanitation in food service operations.
- Apply basic principles of nutrition.
- Demonstrate basic culinary skills.
- Assist in food service management.
- Plan menus.
- Explore food service financial information.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Culinary Specialist technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
- Students selecting the Math Reasoning option may also need to complete an Arithmetic Assessment.
Course Descriptions
Food service sanitation principles of contamination/food borne illness with National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification testing included. (Prerequisite: Acceptance in Culinary Specialist technical diploma or Culinary Management associate degree or Restaurant Management technical diploma or Hospitality Management associate degree or Baking & Pastry certificate).
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college and employment. This course encourages students to develop a growth mindset and make wise choices. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringUnderstand basic baking principles and develop knowledge of the functions/appropriate usage of the ingredients used in production baking. Learn how different types of bakery products are classified and ingredient cost-outs are calculated. (Prerequisite: Acceptance in Culinary Specialist technical diploma or Culinary Management associate degree or Baking and Pastry Certificate; must take with 10-316-121 Culinary Baking Applications)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringUnderstand the baking process including the pastry department. Develop a foundation in baking principles through hands-on application. (Corequisite: 10-316-118, Principles of Sanitation; Must be taken with 10-316-120, Culinary Baking Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, proportions, and percent to their career. No prerequisites needed.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelop the knowledge, skills and understanding of food preparation in commercial kitchens. (Prerequisite: Acceptance in Culinary Specialist technical diploma or Culinary Management associate degree; must take with 10-316-122 Professional Cooking 1)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringBasic skill sets of professional cooking: sanitation, knife skills, heat transfer, protein cooking, vegetable cooking, working in teams, mise en place, sauce production and starch cookery. (Requisite: Must take with 10-316-119, Food Theory)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringUnderstand the advanced baking process including the pastry department. Develop advanced skills in baking principles through hands-on application. (Prerequisite: 10-316-121, Culinary Baking Application)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringAdvanced skill sets of professional cooking: sanitation, knife skills, heat transfer, protein cooking, vegetable cooking, working in teams, Mise en place, sauce production and starch cookery. (Prerequisite: 10-316-122, Professional Cooking 1)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringFood/beverage industry, product classifications, responsible service; bar/kitchen equipment/organization; maintaining clean/sanitary facilities; staffing, training, supervising food/beverage employees; promotions planning; budgeting/cost controls of food/beverage operations.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringFocuses on the major nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins and water) in the planning of well-balanced diets and the nutritional analysis of well-balanced diets. (Prerequisite: Acceptance in Culinary Specialist technical diploma or Culinary Management associate degree)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringHands-on experience in short order techniques using various methods to prepare breakfast items. Lunch cooking utilizes fryers, grills, and ovens. Service experience includes line work and practical applications of salads, salad dressings, and greens. Menu planning is presented. (Prerequisite: 10-316-124, Professional Cooking 2)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringAn overview of catering including pricing, hiring/managing staff, marketing, planning successful events, preparing safe/attractive food as well as managing the event. (Prerequisite: Acceptance in Culinary Specialist technical diploma or Culinary Management associate degree or Restaurant Management technical diploma or Hospitality Management associate degree).
Course Typically Offered: Fall Spring