The Culinary Arts Program at El Paso Community College offers three degree options as well as three certificate options to students enrolled:

• Restaurant Management focuses on front-of-house activities
• Culinary Arts focuses on back of house activities
• Pastry Degree option offers students the opportunity to train in pastries and bakeshop management classes

Each degree program is two years in length, while the certificate program is one-year in length

 

The current faculty members of this program include two full-time instructors, both of whom are certified through the ACF (American Culinary Federation); one as a certified Culinary Educator and one as a Certified Executive Chef. This program also features five adjunct faculty from a diverse background of the food service industry, with specializations in front of house, pastry, and catering operations.

 

Courses that are taught range from basic introductory classes through intermediate courses and, under the degree options, on to advanced classes covering in greater detail the more advanced topics.

 

This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the food service industry, though many students enter the industry at higher levels due to their education at EPCC. Program studies are focused on developing management skills in the industry while also allowing students the hands-on training necessary to compete in the workforce.

 

Graduates of this program typically choose one of two options; several continue on with their education at NMSU (with whom EPCC Culinary Arts and Related Sciences is articulated), or on to other schools offering Bacclaureate degree options. Still, other students opt to enter the workforce and begin their professional careers. The Culinary Arts Program is very fortunate to have a 100% job placement rate for any student wishing to start their career imediately upon graduation.