Laurel Technical Institute has announced the launch of its new hands-on, campus-based Culinary Arts specialized associate degree program. This program is now elevated from a diploma to a 16-month AS degree designed for those seeking an accelerated, college-level curriculum with a culinary and restaurant focus. Laurel’s new Associate of Specialized Business Degree in Culinary Arts is exclusively available at the Sharon, PA satellite campus at 200 Sterling Avenue. The degree can be completed in 16 months with 63-credits.
The degree program will be taught on campus, 3 days a week, and is composed of four semesters. The degree program features 400 hours of targeted general education and career development courses to prepare students of the program to understand the dynamics of their future careers. It will continue the integral use of on and off-site internship courses, broadening the development of skills and understanding of the field. Laurel’s updated degree program will include courses in Baking, Pastry & Dessert Essentials, American Regional Cuisines, Introduction to Hospitality Management, and International Cuisines. “At Laurel, our goal is to provide each student with an ever evolving opportunity for growth and education,” said Laurel’s Executive Vice President, Douglas Decker, PhD. “We wanted to provide the opportunity for students to gain essential culinary arts skills in a more developed setting.”
Laurel’s updated Culinary Arts program includes updated curriculum including:
Specialized Culinary Courses
- Lessons in fundamental cooking techniques including roasting, braising, grilling, sautéing, and the preparation of stocks and sauces
- A deep dive into the essential flavor profiles and classic international dishes
- The art of cooking through theory, technique, palate development, and teamwork
- Education in the fundamentals of pastry and baking, which can be applied to sweet and savory cooking, restaurants and catering
- The on-site C.H.E.F.S Garden, sponsored by Buhl Mansion, provides a unique live-garden lab promoting culinary horticulture education and food sustainability where students experience a more comprehensive and holistic approach to our food ecosystem
Restaurant & Culinary Management
- Lessons on the interplay between concept development, menu design, pricing and profitability
- A deep dive into the basics of cost control and restaurant accounting, including the development of a business plan
- On-campus student run restaurant that operates for the public during the week providing real-world restaurant experience, catering, and event management from the classroom
Culinary Education & Career Exploration
- Exploration of the interconnections between cuisine, historical events and international locations, and the growth of America’s culinary culture
- Lessons in the connection between personal, professional and financial goals to examine how they contribute to career and personal success, as well as the importance of leadership and team-building
- Courses in written and verbal communication skills as they relate to recipe writing, reviewing, food blogging and culinary demonstrations
- Education on the basics of nutrition and the relationship between diet, health, nutrients and how a culinary professional can use this knowledge
- Required 400-hour off-site internship placements
- Exciting and informative fields trips to a variety of culinary destinations, from Clevlan to the Laurel Highlands
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the American Culinary Federation’s Certified Culinarian exam, showcasing their professionalism and readiness for the industry. An ACF certification validates knowledge and skills, making the culinarian a more valuable candidate for the workforce. Laurel has Premier Employer Partnerships with local restaurants to promote and strengthen employer/educator relationships to enhance the workforce of our local community. Local partnerships for the Culinary Arts program include The Avalon Country Club, Joy Baking Group, and The Grand Resort. These partnerships are a great pathway for students and graduates of Laurel’s Culinary Arts program to experience internships during their education and potential career placement upon graduation!