Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at West Kentucky Community and Technical 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 Kentucky colleges that offer culinary arts program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (NKU)

Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) in Paducah, KY, is an institution strongly dedicated to community and family. Their values include trust, multiculturalism, flexibility and innovation, and they provide an environment conducive to learning and teaching.

A two-year finalist for the Top 10 Aspen Prize, WKCTC offers certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in several disciplines, and runs a university-parallel general curriculum that meets the first two years’ transfer requirements for a baccalaureate degree at other universities and colleges.

With a starting tuition of $144 per credit hour for in-state and online students, WKCTC is well within the reach of most aspiring students. In addition, there are several aid options such as loans, grants and the Federal Work Study Program, making college education an affordable pursuit.

One unique offering from WKCTC is their Accessible College Education program, which is specifically designed for working people who want better career opportunities. Under this program, successful applicants may receive credits for work experience or prior learning, and can complete the course by attending one class per weekend, in the evening. They can also opt for the online version of the program.

There are several extracurricular activities for students who want to engage in artistic endeavors. The Clemens Fine Arts Center regularly presents nationally touring productions in music, theatre and dance, and has been doing so for the past 42 years.

For a well-rounded education that focuses equally on technical and creative learning at affordable rates, very few community colleges match up to WKCTC.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. NKU has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• 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

• Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
  • Total Employment: 660
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.33
  • Average Annual Salary: $48520

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

• Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
  • Total Employment: 8
  • Average Hourly Rate: $11.41
  • Average Annual Salary: $23730

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