Culinary Arts

Turn Up the Heat on Your Career

Adult Costs

$2,850

Program Length

16 months

Next Start Date

6/8/2026

Enroll by

May 28th

Location

Main Campus

Learn More

Your name

Hands-On Training for Tomorrow’s Culinary Leaders

Step into a career where science meets art. From food safety to fine dining, the Culinary Arts program gives you the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a fulfilling career that delights and inspires.

Avg. Salary

$35k

for OTECH Grads

Career Growth

1.20%

by 2032 in Utah

Day in the Life

From planning menus to prepping ingredients, each day starts with a focus on preparation. Whether sauteing, plating, or managing a team, culinary professionals balance creativity with precision under pressure. You’ll work closely with other staff, adapt to customer feedback, and ensure every dish meets the highest standards. It’s a career made for those who love food, teamwork, and the thrill of a busy service.

Career Skills You'll Learn:

Foundational Skills

Learn basic kitchen skills and cooking techniques, safety, sanitation, and knife skills.

Hands-on Kitchen Experience

Practice skills in a real production kitchen on a daily basis.

Learn from Talented Chefs

Work alongside experienced chefs to practice culinary skills and gain unique experience.

Real Catering Experience

Gain hands-on experience with planning and preparing food for large catering events.

Potential Career Paths

Chef

Professional cook and kitchen manager, responsible for all aspects of food preparation.

Sous Chef

Act as the right-hand person for a chef, including inventory control, staff scheduling, and kitchen supervision.

Line Chef

Responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to recipes and standards.

OTECH Partners who hire our Culinary Arts graduates

Program Overview

The Culinary Arts program is designed to provide a broad base of classical and contemporary cooking knowledge combined with hands-on experience, giving each student confidence in new skills and preparing them to move successfully into a career in food service and hospitality.

Instruction includes practice of proper safety and sanitation; preparation of cold foods, stocks, soups, sauces, meats, poultry, seafood, grains, fruits, and vegetables according to classically prescribed techniques and methods; and proper use and understanding of formulas and recipes in the preparation of basic quick breads, yeast breads, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods. Students receive hands-on experience in many aspects of the industry, including catering, short-order cooking, banquet, and fine dining. 

Classroom Hours
Day: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Eve: M-Th 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enrollment open to
Adults, High school students

Credit transfer options
Available to view here 

Tuition & Cost

Estimated Adult Tuition and Fees
$2,895.00

Estimated Materials Cost
$378.57

Estimated High School Student Cost
$211.75

Financial Aid Eligibility
Scholarship: Yes
VA: Yes
Pell Grant: Yes

Program Materials
MaterialRequiredNew
Chef Hat$15.00
Chef Coat$32.99
Chef Pant$32.99
Culinary Apron$10.60
ServSafe – Not provided by the bookstore$35.00
Genesis Medium Knife Set$168.00
Renaissance Knife Set Premium$203.00
Small Genesis Knife Set (Choose 1 of 3 knife set options)$102.00
Labensky, Hause On Cooking ISBN: 9780134441900$149.99
Subtotal of required materials$378.57

This program has no admission requirements. You may start your admissions application at any time.

The OTECH Culinary Arts program has rolling start dates throughout the year. If you are interested in enrolling in the program, please review the application deadlines and program start dates below to ensure a smooth application process.

6/8/2026
  • Receive state-approved food safety management certification.
  • Demonstrate kitchen safety in a professional environment.
  • Define key culinary terms, processes, and methods.
  • Demonstrate customer service and guest hospitality.
  • Demonstrate professionalism through repetition by preparing and plating foods daily.
  • Prepare classic dishes using appropriate cooking principles.
Course Syllabus →
Course NumberCourse NameCreditsCost
CULA1105Foundations in Culinary Arts195
MATH1110Culinary Arts Math2190
CULA1115Stocks and Soups195
CULA1135Garde Manger I2190
CULA1140Hot Foods I3285
CULA1145Hot Foods II3285
CULA1150Basic Baking3285
CULA1290Breakfast Foods2190
CULA1361Food Safety Management195
CULA1225Advanced Yeast Breads2190
CULA1235Pies and Pastries2190
CULA1245Cakes and Frosting2190
CULA1260Custards and Frozen Desserts2190
CULA1491Garde Manger II4380
CULA1502Hors d'oeuvres2190
CULA1511Brunch2190
CULA1521Food Purchasing and Budgets2190
CULA1541Culinary Arts Special Projects I195
CULA1551Culinary Arts Special Projects II195
CULA1561Culinary Arts Special Projects III195
CULA1571Culinary Arts Special Projects IV195
CULA1653Culinary Arts Work Based Learning I195
CULA1662Culinary Arts Work Based Learning II195
CULA1672Culinary Arts Work Based Learning III195
CULA1682Culinary Arts Work Based Learning IV195

Upon completion of the Culinary Arts program, students will be prepared to receive their state-approved food safety management certification.

 

 

Jose Rodriguez

Jose is the coordinator of the Culinary Arts program. He graduated from Ogden-Weber Technical College’s Culinary Arts program and returned to the department after many years of industry experience. As Chef Manager of a healthcare facility for eight years, he earned multiple national awards for food quality. Jose’s experience and expertise shine as he oversees the Campus Grille, instructs and works with students on daily production and progress projects, and manages the in-house catering functions. His broad background and experience enrich the instruction he provides and support the physical and technical aspects of running the department.

Office Hours
M-F 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location
Student Union 105

jose.rodriguez@otech.edu

801-627-8357