Culinary Arts
https://www.linnbenton.edu/future-students/explore-lb/programs/culinary-arts.php
Culinary Arts is an extensive Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway designed specifically for students who are serious about becoming professional chefs, bakers, and hospitality experts. The food service industry is fast-paced, creative, and always evolving, and our program will provide you with industry-relevant training, hands-on experience, and the technical skills needed to succeed in professional kitchens.
The Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science degree at LBCC is a comprehensive two-year program rooted in classical French, European, international, and modern cuisine. Students gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art kitchen, mastering food preparation, baking, and restaurant operations. The program prepares graduates for careers in Haute cuisine, Food Truck operations, entrepreneurship, and the broader hospitality industry.
Training takes place in a fully equipped kitchen that supports the Santiam Café service, Santiam Street Food (Food Truck), and catering functions. Located on the second floor of the Calapooia Center building, the Santiam Café & Bistro is run by second-year students, offering a café-style service designed to provide real-world food service training. The menu blends instructor-designed dishes focusing on essential cooking techniques with student-created specials, including coffee, tea, pastries, desserts, à la carte menu items, hearth oven baking, bread, soup, salads, and "grab & go" options.
Students work with a variety of ingredients, including meats, fich, and poultry, as part of their training. Those with medical, religious, or personal concerns about handling or tasting these products should consult a Culinary Arts faculty advisor before registering.
Program Requirements
Students must have basic math and reading skills, work well under pressure, and demonstrate dexterity, physical stamina, concentration, and a good memory. Cooperation and teamwork are essential. A valid Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) server permit and food handler card are required. For exceptions, contact the Culinary Arts department.
The Culinary Arts program requires a strong commitment of time, effort, and financial investment. Students must purchase professional-grade tools, uniforms, and supplies essential for hands-on learning in a real-work kitchen environment. This program is designed for those pursuing a career in culinary arts, not for hobbyists looking to improve home cooking skills.
Attendance is strictly enforced, as hands-on experience is crucial to success. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, and any questions about attendance are discussed with a Culinary Arts faculty advisor before registration. All courses must be taken in sequence, meeting prerequisite requirements. A grade of C or better is required in CA 101, CA 102, CA 103, CA8. 321, CA8. 322, and CA8. 323. Students transferring to Oregon State University must earn a C or better in all practicum courses for successful transfer.
In addition to standard college expenses, students will spend approximately $2000 on course fees, uniforms, knives, shoes, books, and other required equipment. Purchases should be made after you have started the program and received guidance from your instructor.