Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts - Culinary Management Specialization
Associate of Applied ScienceJ Sargeant Reynolds Community College
The Culinary Arts program provides a comprehensive occupational-technical education that prepares students with the skills needed for immediate industry employment opportunities as culinary artisans and managers within a variety of culinary, food service, hospitality, and retail paths.
Outcomes
Outcome: Industry Standard Safety & Sanitation Practices Identify and apply benchmark industry standards for operating a safe sanitary food service operation that meets regional health code standards and as a moral and legal responsibility of management Outcome: Effective application of Cost Control systems Create, evaluate and strategize cost control methods for a successful business operation including: cost management, menu engineering, standardization of recipes, variable and fixed costs and income statements through the use of manual and computerized support programs and spreadsheets Outcome: Effective Management Techniques Identify and engage in various management styles in a variety of roles and scenarios to assess and develop a managerial leadership style Culinary Techniques Evaluate, organize, and prepare a broad range of advanced cuisine and production techniques that incorporate: sensory analysis, multi-cultural interests, nutrition, taste formation and visual aesthetics related to classical French and modern trends Outcome: Apply industry techniques with direct placement & practice Integrate culinary knowledge and demonstrate practical skills from across the curriculum in a real-world work setting to illustrate career readiness and employ-ability (INTERNSHIP) Outcome: Self-assessment and application towards standard industry skillsets Interpret and evaluate culinary knowledge and conduct a skills self-assessment to identify individual weakness, to create a complete repertoire of entry level culinary arts skills (CAPSTONE) Outcome: Apply a Global perspective of the Hospitality industry towards employment Demonstrate and apply a comprehensive view of the hospitality industry through market research, menu design and product identification and preparation, nutrition standards, effective costing, and environmental responsibility at or above industry success rates (CAPSTONE)
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Math intensive, Cooking Labs have academic work requirements as well, hands on learning and skillets developed, assessed and graded |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Faculty provide advising to enhance student success. All students wishing to enroll in Culinary Fundamentals CSC must attend an advising session. Once enrolled, students must meet with their advisor every semester to review their scheduling strategy and status toward graduation. Information about advising and enrolling in classes is available at the following link: www.reynolds.edu/get_started/programs/business/culinary_and_hospitality/admission.aspx . Students who earn a final grade lower than "C" in any HRI or major-related course, as identified by the program, must obtain permission from their advisor to continue the major in Culinary Fundamentals CSC. Students will be required to repeat courses in their major when grades lower than "C" are earned. Exceptions must be reviewed and approved in writing by the program head. The competency-based nature of the curriculum allows students with previous educational studies or training experience to be evaluated for advanced standing called ABLE. Students who believe they are eligible for such consideration are required to meet with their advisor to discuss eligibility. If the advisor determines this option may apply, the student must meet with the program head for full evaluation and possible advanced standing to gain access to the process and materials required for submission and evaluation. The recommended sequence can be viewed at https://www.reynolds.edu/get_started/programs/business/culinary_and_hospitality/default.aspx COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT: Students in this program will meet the college's computer competency requirement by successfully completing HRI 159. REQUIRED UNIFORMS AND TOOL KITS: Students enrolled in HRI courses must wear an approved uniform and possess an approved tool kit for HRI courses. Specifications may be obtained at https://www.reynolds.edu/uniforms-for-culinary or from the program head. All required items are available through the campus bookstore, and financial aid may be used to assist with obtaining these items. FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the Culinary Arts AAS degree and specializations require the following: Approved uniform items: chef jacket, chef pants, slip resistant black kitchen safety shoes, hat, apron $185.00 +/- Supplies: medium black Sharpie marker, yellow highlighter, basic pocket calculator, pocket size notebook $25.00 +/- Textbooks, MyLab products, and other supplies $1800.00 +/- Approved tool kit $400.00 +/- Specialization - specific items See program head These costs are approximate, are subject to change without notice, and do not cover transportation costs. DIETARY EXCEPTION POLICY: While enrolled and participating in the Culinary Arts program, especially laboratories, students will come into contact with various ingredients, some of which are familiar to them and many that are not. The Culinary Arts AAS is aligned with industry standards and expectations, which require students to be industry-ready upon completion of the program. The industry expects taste development; therefore, a majority of the program revolves around "tasting as you go" as a standard of higher-level cooking, comprehension, and assessment. Without directly participating in tasting, the chances of a successful dish and grade are highly compromised. The following areas address these potential concerns: TASTING - Part of the educational portion of the program is exposure to new ingredients, products, and flavor pairings. During required classes, students will participate in tasting activities of foods that include safe to eat raw and fresh ingredients; cooked ingredients; and fresh, uncooked, and cooked dishes. Students will be expected to taste all items, except those that are documented on file as food restrictions. The process of discerning tastes, flavors, seasonings, and "dish needs" is included as part of the grading rubric. Students who do not participate in tasting activities will have their grade adjusted accordingly. ALLERGIES - The college is committed to student safety. Students with allergy concerns need to provide documentation of food allergies from their doctor to be registered and on file with the Office of Student Accommodations, at which time the student will be provided an accepted accommodations form for presentation to every instructor for each related course, each semester. Students need to provide in written form the process for assisting them if an issue arises related to this. It is the student's responsibility to assure these documents are on file with the Office of Student Accommodations and that they are shared with faculty prior to being needed. In the event that a student opts out of a tasting activity, the instructor will offer a relevant alternative written assignment for the student to complete as a graded alternative to the objectionable tasting activity. RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES - Whereas Reynolds accepts students of all faiths, certain programs contain learning activities that may not align with specific religions or religious practices. The Culinary Arts AAS and its specializations are examples of these programs. Students may choose not to participate in tasting activities if a specific item conflicts with their religious beliefs; however, all efforts should be made to participate within reason. In the event that a student opts out of a tasting activity, the instructor will offer a relevant alternative written assignment for the student to complete as a graded alternative to the objectionable tasting activity. A second option, referred to as the "Taste and Spit Method," is also available. Tasting and subsequent spitting allow the student to experience the sensory attributes of the food without actually consuming the food. This option satisfies the intended learning benefits of tasting and would not require the completion of the alternative written assignment. During the first week of classes, students need to inform faculty in written form of any religious restrictions. RESTRICTIVE AND MEDICAL DIETS - Documented accommodations through the Office of Accommodations are intended to provide a safe environment for students. Only documented restrictions that provide students a reasonable ability to complete the course and program objectives may be accommodated. It is possible that not all requested accommodations will be granted through the Office of Student Accommodations, as those that are provided may still require students to complete tasks, recipes, and formulas that work with the product in question as part of comprehensive learning. As an example, a student with Celiac's Disease who opts out of a tasting activity will be offered a relevant alternative written assignment as a graded alternative to the objectionable tasting activity. LIFESTYLE AND ELECTIVE DIETS - Whereas the choice of following a lifestyle or elective diet is respected, there are instances where they may not be accommodated within this program. These diets include, but are not limited to, Vegan, Raw Only, Vegetarian, Lacto-Ovo, Lacto, Ovo, Pollotarian, Pescatarian, and Flexitarian. Students may choose not to participate in certain tasting activities; however, their grade will be reflective of these choices. Students may choose an option referred to as the "Taste and Spit Method." Tasting and subsequent spitting allow the student to experience the sensory attributes of the food without actually consuming the food. Students who choose to taste may spit out the product after assessing the characteristics related to the educational objectives. Students with a particular concern or question should reach out directly to the program head or the Office of Student Accommodations. TECHNICAL STANDARDS: It is understood that any student who is otherwise qualified may be able to use reasonable accommodations in order to meet program standards that are necessary for employment in the culinary industry. Students with an identified disability should contact the Office of Student Accommodations in order to receive available, reasonable accommodations. Students in the Culinary Arts program must have the ability to perform sufficiently kitchen, internship, externship, dining room, market cafe, laboratory, and classroom activities and procedures. A list of essential functions, educational and industry standards, and related examples is provided at https://www.reynolds.edu/standards. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
All HRI programs (or credentials/awards) have specific advising practices. Please speak to one of the designated advisors for enrollment
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Program elective courses are pre-determined based on major declared |
Doing More With Your Degree | Prepares students for entry level and mid level positions in foodservice including cooks, shift managers, and Sous Chefs. Additional related work experience is necessary for higher level positions in which students are prepared for to join at intermediate levels within foodservice. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Culinary Arts is ACF Accredited. Students have conducted internships with Hershey Park, Disney, The Inn at Little Washingtion, and Momofuku. Graduates have opened their own restaurants, food trucks, catering, and personal chef businesses. The Reynolds Culinary program has graduates all across the world working in 5 star resorts and restaurants to those in local businesses. |
Related Programs & Certifications

Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Not Required |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | Prior learning is considered |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | https://issuu.com/reynoldscommunitycollege/docs/digital_hs_recruitment_packet?fr=sZmMwOTQ3OTA5NA |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Not Required |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Bridgewater College | Business Administration Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Business - Finance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Business - Management (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Business - Marketing (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Culinary - Baking Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Hospitality Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Hospitality Management (Food Service Management) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Sport Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Hospitality Management (Event Planning) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Hospitality Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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35-1011.00 | Chefs and Head Cooks | Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts. | Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations |
11-9051.00 | Food Service Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages. | Management Occupations |
35-1012.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food. | Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations |
11-9081.00 | Lodging Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations. | Management Occupations |
35-2019.00 | Cooks, All Other | All cooks not listed separately. | Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations |
35-2013.00 | Cooks, Private Household | Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs. | Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations |
35-2014.00 | Cooks, Restaurant | Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu. | Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations |
51-3011.00 | Bakers | Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods. | Production Occupations |
13-1161.00 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
11-2021.00 | Marketing Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services. | Management Occupations |
13-1161.01 | Search Marketing Strategists | Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
35-2012.00 | Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias. | Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations |
19-1012.00 | Food Scientists and Technologists | Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9072.00 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks. | Management Occupations |
11-9179.01 | Fitness and Wellness Coordinators | Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors. | Management Occupations |
11-9179.00 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | All personal service managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
11-9179.02 | Spa Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities. | Management Occupations |
13-1199.04 | Business Continuity Planners | Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
13-1199.00 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | All business operations specialists not listed separately. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
11-3013.00 | Facilities Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus. | Management Occupations |
13-1199.06 | Online Merchants | Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
13-1199.07 | Security Management Specialists | Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
11-3013.01 | Security Managers | Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities. | Management Occupations |
13-1199.05 | Sustainability Specialists | Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
Cost To Complete
