Program Overview
Turn Your Passion for Cooking into a New Career
If you’re hungry for a career in the culinary and pastry arts, South Seattle College’s program is the perfect recipe for success. Whether you pursue a degree or certificate, you'll gain hands-on training from seasoned chef-instructors in state-of-the-art kitchens. From mastering food production techniques to crafting innovative menus, our program equips you with the skills and industry expertise needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of culinary arts.
Degrees & Certificates
Two-year degree for students who want to start a career immediately after graduation.
- Credits to complete: 101.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 6 | Part Time - Part Time Option Not Available
Two-year, job-training degrees that prepare students for immediate employment. Students take additional general education electives, making this a good option if you intend to transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program or may attend a university in the future to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Credits to complete: 103.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 6 | Part Time - Part Time Option Not Available
Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to lead to a degree.
- Credits to complete: 66.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 4 | Part Time - 10 to 14
Information Sessions
Check out our events calendar for upcoming Culinary & Pastry Arts information sessions. These sessions provide an overview of the program, discuss course highlights, and explain important application deadlines and start dates. You will have the opportunity to ask questions to the program specialist.
Can't make one of the upcoming live information sessions? Watch a pre-recorded Culinary & Pastry Arts information session.
Why Choose Culinary & Pastry Arts at South Seattle College?
Our students have won awards at state and national competitions under the guidance of chef-instructors with decades of real-world culinary experience, and many have found great success in the industry, including James Beard Award-nominee Janet Becerra.
At South, you’ll not only learn to cook from savory to sweet for the modern palate, you’ll also receive hands-on training in one of our several student-operated restaurants on campus, including having the opportunity to operate your own food truck.
Interested in pursuing your bachelor’s degree at South? Many graduates of our Culinary and Pastry Arts program choose to continue their education with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management.
What You’ll Learn as a Culinary & Pastry Arts Student at South
- Food production skills
- Food management (inventory control, purchasing, production, supervision and personnel management)
- Fundamentals in classical and contemporary cooking techniques including meat, poultry and fish preparation, and sauces
- Catering and banquet management techniques
- Principles of food identification, nutrition, and food and beverage composition
- Proper sanitation and safety techniques
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Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.