Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at El Paso Community College 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 Texas colleges that offer culinary arts program.

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El Paso Community College

801 Main Street, Dallas, TX

El Paso Community College (EPCC) is a two-year community college located in El Paso, Texas. EPCC offers 130 academic programs that lead to an Associate's of Applied Science, Associate's of Science, Associate's of Arts degree or a Certificate of Completion.  In addition to its degree and certificate programs, EPCC offers several innovative learning initiatives that include Early College High School (allowing high school students to earn an associate's degree while they earn their diploma), and Student Technology Services (a student-run technology training program).  EPCC also offers distance learning through online programs.

For students hoping to transfer to four-year institutions of higher education to earn a bachelor's degree, there are "2+2" options available.  These options guarantee admission to four-year colleges that offer the degree program of choice, with junior-level status.

EPCC offers modern facilities and many student and community services on its five campuses.  It has several workforce development programs, making it a leading provider of job training for local community businesses.  EPCC also offers a Leadership Development Academy to personnel who work in management/leadership positions in the El Paso community.  The Academy's aim is to foster the development of leadership qualities, characteristics and skills.

EPCC is involved in a national initiative for community colleges called "Achieving the Dream," which helps more community college students, particularly those who face challenges, to succeed. EPCC grants the most associate's degrees to Hispanic students in the U.S.

History

In 1969, the El Paso County Community College District was established.  In 1971, El Paso Community College opened its doors and more than 900 enrolled students.  By 1973, enrollment had grown to more than 5,000.  The college constructed various facilities and established five campuses over the years, providing a growing number of academic and workforce training programs. It is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation.

Academics

The academic calendar for El Paso Community College follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, a 10-week summer session, and two 5-week "summer mini" sessions.

Colleges and Schools

As a two-year community college, EPCC is not divided into colleges and schools, but has departments and programs through which students can earn Associate's Degrees and Certificates:

• Associate of Arts in Field of Study
• Associate of Arts in Teaching
• Technical Programs Certificate of Completion
• Technical Programs Associate of Applied Science
• Continuing Education
• Associate of Science
• Associate of Arts
• Health Occupation Associate of Applied Science
• Health Occupation Certificate of Completion

Student Life

EPCC has an Office of Campus Life at each campus, which provides students with the "EPCC Best Start" ID Card.  With this card, students can use EPCC facilities and services such as gyms, libraries, computer labs, discounts on and off campus at participating businesses, and more.

EPCC students are encouraged to join one of many student clubs, events or activities that are available to them on each campus.  There are community volunteer programs available, as well as student leadership and government associations.

Athletics

The EPCC athletics teams compete in intercollegiate sports at the Division I level in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).  Men's sports include baseball, cross-country and half marathon.  Women's sports include softball, cross-country and half marathon.

Satellite Campuses

El Paso Community College has five campuses in the El Paso area:

• Mission del Paso Campus
• Northwest Campus
• Rio Grande Campus
• Transmountain Campus
• Valle Verde Campus

Community Life

El Paso Community College has cultivated strong partnerships with local businesses to develop its workforce training programs. EPCC has also partnered with many local, regional and national universities to promote the success of its transfer students.

The city of El Paso has roughly 500,000 citizens and is one of the safest cities in the United States with a very low crime rate. El Paso offers good shopping venues, outdoor concerts, many museums, a zoo, hiking trails through its four State Parks, many music and dance festivals, and more.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. El Paso Community College has offered the following program levels 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

• Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $24.47
  • Average Annual Salary: $50900
• Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 770
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.81
  • Average Annual Salary: $41210

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

• Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 18
  • Average Hourly Rate: $12.47
  • Average Annual Salary: $25940
• Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 8
  • Average Hourly Rate: $11.18
  • Average Annual Salary: $23250

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