Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at College of DuPage prepares students for a career as an executive chef, restaurateur, food and beverage manager, food writer, research chef, or a culinary educator. The program focuses on cooking related services in restaurants and other commercial food establishments. Program courses include: recipe and menu planning, preparing and cooking foods, supervising and training kitchen assistants, managing food supplies and kitchen resources, food presentation, and a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer culinary arts program.

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College of DuPage

700 E. Terra Cotta, Crystal Lake, IL

College of DuPage (COD) is a two-year community college located on a 273-acre campus in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. COD is one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the U.S. In addition to its main campus in Glen Ellyn, COD has six regional centers. It offers more than 45 associate's degree and pre-baccalaureate transfer programs, 59 occupational degree programs, and 90 certificate programs.

COD also offers basic adult education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and continuing education.

In addition to its transfer, degree and certificate programs, COD offers a wide variety of Special Interest programs, which offer opportunities to follow alternative learning formats or programs for increased personal and professional enrichment. Special Interest programs at COD include:

• Adult Fast Track - an accelerated program for working students with busy lifestyles
• COD Online - distance learning in more than 36 disciplines
• Cooperative Education and Internships - providing on-the-job experience
• Field and Experiential Studies - unique credit courses that include field-based learning
• Flex - self-directed courses as an alternative to classrooms or online learning
• Global Scholars - a curriculum of GSP-designated courses and a foreign language
• Honors Program - highly motivated students take enhanced courses for more challenge
• Learning Community - enroll in courses connected by a common theme
• International Education - intercultural experiences are the focus
• Study Abroad - travel abroad to complete a short or long program
• Office of High School Partnerships - high school students can pursue dual enrollment
• Service Learning - blending classroom learning with community involvement
• Vocational Skills - challenging courses for students with mild cognitive impairment

History

The College of DuPage was founded in 1967. Also in 1967, the school established its newspaper, The Courier. The campus-based radio station, WDCB 90.9 FM, was founded in 1977. The campus-based literary magazine, Prairie Light Review, was founded in 1982.

Academics

The College of DuPage offers nine different Associate's degrees.

The academic calendar of the College of DuPage follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer "sessions."

Colleges and Schools

As a two-year community college, COD's academic units are divided into divisions, rather than colleges and schools. Its academic divisions are:

• Business and Technology
• Continuing Education / Extended Learning
• Health and Sciences
• Learning Resources
• Liberal Arts

Student Life

The College of DuPage offers nearly 50 student clubs and organizations on campus, providing students a connection to academics, personal interests, or social activities. There are many opportunities for practicing leadership and professional skills through the various groups and programs available.

Many student services are also available, and the College of DuPage Library is an excellent student resource with its collections of books, microfiche, video, and more.

The renowned McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage enriches student entertainment on campus, offering more than 200 educational, visual, cultural and artistic events and performances annually.

Traditions

The school colors are green and gold, with white as a third color. The school mascot is the chaparral bird (common name: roadrunner).  The school's athletics department is traditionally referred to as "Chaparral Country."

Athletics

The College of DuPage has had a highly successful community college athletic program for more than 20 years. The COD "Chaparral" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cheer Team
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field

 Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cheer Team
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

College of DuPage has Regional Centers at:

• Addison
• Bloomingdale
• Carol Stream
• Naperville
• West Chicago
• Westmont

Community Life

College of DuPage offers a variety of community services, providing opportunities for entertainment, culture, education and employment. Several academic departments offer affordable services such as Dental Hygiene Appointments, Cosmetology Appointments, Free Ultrasounds, fitness classes at the Community Recreation Center, and assistance at the Child Care Center. The Plants Plus program in the Horticulture Department offers low-cost bulbs, plants, yard art, and more.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. College of DuPage has offered the following programs for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chefs and Head Cooks

Description

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, chefs and head cooks employment is expected to grow at a rate of 8.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.13
  • Average Annual Salary: $48110
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 100
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.11
  • Average Annual Salary: $43910
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 240
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.41
  • Average Annual Salary: $63240

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.

Cooks, Private Household

Description

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

Cooks, Restaurant

Description

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, cooks, restaurant employment is expected to grow at a rate of 14.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 27
  • Average Hourly Rate: $11.75
  • Average Annual Salary: $24440
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $9.99
  • Average Annual Salary: $20770
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $13.32
  • Average Annual Salary: $27700

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).