Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at Southern Maine 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 Maine colleges that offer culinary arts program.

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Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)

100 Larrabee Road, Westbrook, ME

Southern Maine Community College, located in South Portland, Maine, was originally conceived as a technical school for returning World War II veterans. The school began operations in 1946, but due to increasing enrollment, quickly moved to larger facilities and expanded its offerings. Over the years the school has gone through multiple names reflecting the types of programs the school offered. The school officially became a community college in 1998, after changes in Maine's education system made it possible for technical colleges to provide transferable degrees to University of Maine System campuses. SMCC is also one of the few community colleges to offer on campus housing.

Academics

Southern Maine Community College offers degrees in a large number of fields resulting in associate of arts, associate of science or associate of applied science degrees. These programs provide students with transfer opportunities to four year institutions or prepare them for entry level positions in their area of study. The school is has primarily been a technical college, and throughout its history has adapted its programs and facilities to offer the best educational opportunities possible, continuing to do so today with its expanded offerings and goals.

Programs offered include:

• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Medical Assisting
• Liberal Studies
• Political Science

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to enroll at Southern Maine Community College must complete and submit the application along with all pertinent transcripts and information. Students must have a high school diploma or GED, or if still in high school, parental permission to attend. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships and work study. Financial aid eligibility and awards are determined through the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which every student should submit in a timely manner. Additional information on financial aid is available through the school's website.

Athletics

Southern Maine Community College sports teams are referred to as the seawolves, and have won over 31 championships throughout the school's history. SMCC is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), and participates in the Yankee Small College Conference, comprised of schools in the New England area.

Sports Programs offered:

• Soccer
• Golf
• Baseball
• Softball
• Basketball

Additionally the school has active intramural sports and activities. Students are encouraged to play with and against one another in the following:

• Co-Ed Volleyball
• Co-Ed Indoor Soccer
• Co-Ed Softball
• Ice Hockey
• Wiffle Ball
• Running Club
• Cheerleading Club

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. SMCC offers an associate's degree program in culinary arts.

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

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

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