Start Your Career: By the Numbers
Apply To This ProgramInstructors
Learn from instructors with experience navigating the challenges of the field.
Options
Culinary training at a third of the cost of private culinary schools.
Certified
Earn your certification as a Certified Culinarian through the American Culinary Federation.
Experience Every Side of the Culinary Profession
Do you dream of working in a kitchen or running your own restaurant? The Culinary Arts program helps you build the skills you need to succeed in the fast-paced world of foodservice.
In this program, you’ll:
- Learn the basics of food preparation
- Explore advanced topics in soups, sauces, meat cuts and international cuisines
- Learn how to work as a team and lead in a professional kitchen
After graduation, you’ll be ready to work in restaurants, catering companies, nutrition centers, and more.
Our Associate of Applied Science degree is accredited with exemplary status by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) — a mark of quality in the culinary world.
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply to Ozarks Tech.
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Department Chair
417-447-8281
Accreditation
The program’s next scheduled review is in 2026. The Culinary Arts Option has earned “exemplary” status.
The American Culinary Federation is a professional organization for chefs and cooks founded in 1929 in New York City by three chef organizations: the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club and the Chefs de Cuisine Association of America. The goal of the organization is to promote the professional image of American chefs worldwide. The ACF does this through education of culinarians at all levels. The American Culinary Federation is the largest professional chef organization in North America.
The Culinary Arts degree program here at Ozarks Technical Community College is an accredited program of the American Culinary Federation and recognized as an Exemplary Program. Exemplary Programs symbolize the highest educational standards recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation National Apprenticeship Committee (ACFEFNAC). The award is presented to programs that have proven full compliance with all ACFEFNAC apprenticeship standards in the last visiting team report along with excellent management of the program. As a student of the program, you will be a part of this prestigious organization through our approved educational programs, membership and certifications, competitions and networking. ACF designs these opportunities to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs and pastry chefs. Upon successful completion of the Culinary program graduate students who successfully complete all requirements will receive their certification as a Certified Culinarian (CC) and/or a Certified Pastry Culinary (CPC) through the American Culinary Federation.
This certification level is the foundation for future certification through the American Culinary Federation in pursuing a professional career in the foodservice and hospitality industries.
Certification demonstrates to an employer that you:
- Have culinary expertise and have reached a set benchmark
- Are well-versed in culinary nutrition, food safety and sanitation
- Understand the responsibilities of culinary supervisory management
- Recognize the importance of high standards for food preparation
- Take charge of your professional development and career
We encourage all of our students to take part in the opportunities the ACF offers you as a student and later in your professional career.
Differentiation separates you from the competition! With thousands of chefs competing on the job market, it is essential to prove your culinary competency.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs at Ozarks Technical Community College is to support student success through a curriculum that builds the skills and knowledge needed to attain professional careers in the foodservice and lodging industry.
Goals
- A curriculum designed to build culinary fundamentals and business management skills necessary to apply in practical decision-making, problem-solving and leadership.
- Educate, train and prepare students for employment, promotion and advancement within the foodservice and lodging industry.
Provide a link between education and industry in developing career pathways. - Maintain educational standards that allow students to achieve certifications through the American Culinary Federation and American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
- Provide and support extracurricular activities that promote and engage students in the pursuit of lifelong learning in the industry.
- Continually review costs in providing quality education to students through curriculum, textbook reviews, required supplies and scholarship opportunities to minimize costs and increase accessibility.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Find Your Community
Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.
Earn Real Job Experience on Campus!
Culinary students work together to open an on-campus restaurant. You will participate in every aspect, from menu creation to cooking and service. Leave prepared for work in restaurants, nutrition centers, catering companies and other foodservice organizations.
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Culinary Arts (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 65 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
The food service industry is the focus of the Culinary Arts A.A.S. degree program. Course offerings in food preparation, baking, pastries, purchasing, food safety and sanitation, along with supervision, combine theory and concept with demonstrations by chefs and hands-on practice. This program has accreditation with exemplary status from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC), 6816 Southpoint Pkwy Ste 400, Jacksonville, FL 32216 904.824.4468 https://www.acfchefs.org/
Culinary Arts Certificate of Specialization
Certificate of Specialization: 16 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
The culinary arts certificate of specialization is designed to promote entry level placement into various work opportunities in the food service industry and is a great transition into upper level course work in the Culinary Arts A.A.S. program. Course offering in core classes develop the necessary skills needed to enter into the work force through lecture-lab classes that utilize chef demonstrations and hands-on-experience in the learning environment.
More Tools for Finding Your Path
Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.