Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at South Texas 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 Illinois colleges that offer culinary arts program.

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South Texas College

Also known as South Texas Community College

451 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL

South Texas College (STC) is community college serving McAllen, Rio Grande City and Weslaco, Texas. STC is one of three community colleges in Texas accredited to offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree. It is the only one accredited to offer two bachelor's degrees. It also offers associate's degrees, professional certificates, continuing education, developmental studies, and online education. Hybrid courses that combine classroom instruction with online learning are also available, and students may follow transfer study programs to transfer courses to other institutions.

The more than 100 degree and certificate programs offered at South Texas College cover topics that range from art and science, to technology and health care. Eight associate's degrees are offered through the online learning program. There are two Bachelor of Applied Technology degrees offered at STC - one win Technology Management, and one in Computer and Information Technology.

As a service to the community, STC offers dual enrollment opportunities to local high school students. These programs allow eligible students to take college courses while attending high school. For high school students in their junior or senior year who are interested in pursuing a degree in medicine or engineering, there is a Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy and a Dual Enrollment Engineering Academy. These academies offer concentrated two-year programs of study and internship opportunities that culminate in an Associate of Science degree.

History

The South Texas College District was established by the Texas Legislature in 1993, to serve the Hidalgo-Starr County area's population of half a million people.

Within the district, South Texas College, Brazosport College and Midland College all received accreditation to offer the bachelor's degree.

Academics

The academic calendar for South Texas College follows a semester format with fall and spring semesters, and three shorter summer sessions.  Additionally, there are shorter "minimesters" of 6-, 8-, and 12-week durations offered through the spring and fall for working students who need a more flexible schedule.  The nursing program offers "minimester" flex scheduling throughout the year for busy students.

Colleges and Schools

STC offers a Core Curriculum of general education courses that prepares all students for Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, and also for those students who plan to continue their education by completing a bachelor's degree at STC or by transferring to another institution.  The Core Curriculum helps students develop their competencies in mathematics, critical thinking, reading, writing and speaking.

Study areas at South Texas College are divided into Academic Divisions, as follows:

• Bachelor Programs and University Relations
• Business and Technology
• Developmental Studies
• Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• Math and Science
• Nursing and Allied Health

Student Life

The STC Department of Student Life provides students with a full calendar of activities and student organizations to choose from, as well as helpful information about departments, health services, and professional associations.  Some of the professional associations available for student participation or assistance include the American Student Government Association (ASGA), and the National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators (NAVPA).

Financial assistance is available, and many of the student services are free, including tutoring, Internet access, career counseling, job placement services, and more. 

The Office of Intramural Sports and Wellness Programming offers students a variety of recreational sports and health programs to encourage social interaction and improve overall wellness.

Athletics

South Texas College does not participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Satellite Campuses

STC has satellite campuses and workforce training centers located throughout the Hidalgo-Starr counties:

• Mid-Valley Campus
• Nursing & Allied Health Campus
• Pecan Campus
• Starr County Campus
• Technology Campus

Community Life

Known as the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend, the South Texas region is south of San Antonio and west of the Gulf of Mexico. The south and west boundaries of this region are formed by the Rio Grande River. Padre Island is a popular tourist destination in this region.  South Texas has a largely Hispanic community.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. South Texas College has offered the following degree 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

• 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).