Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at Western Iowa Tech 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 Iowa colleges that offer culinary arts program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Western Iowa Tech Community College

1350 College Square Mall, Cedar Falls, IA

About
Western Iowa Tech Community College, located in Sioux City, Iowa, was founded in 1966 and first received its accreditation in 1977. The school is a comprehensive community college operating five campuses in northwest Iowa, specifically in Sioux City (The main campus), Mapleton, LeMars, Cherokee and Denison, all of which operate in order to provide coverage and opportunities for residents of the school's service area. The school is also one of the few two year institutions to provide student housing options, specifically two halls that combined allow for the housing of 300 students. The school is dedicated to providing the best education possible for its current and future students through modern programs and facilities that are under constant review and revision.

Academics
Western Iowa Tech Community College offers a variety programs designed to provide academic and career opportunities for enrolled students. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution in order to finish their final two years and earn a bachelor's degree in one's desired field. Transfer to public Iowa institutions is made easier through agreements in place that guarantee admission to students that meet specific academic requirements. Transfer to out of state or private institutions will have varying requirements, and students desiring to do so should meet with a counselor to discuss curriculum and options.

Career and technical programs provide an education in a specific area of study with the purpose of providing skill and ability development for entry into the workforce as a professional. Students will have a mix of traditional courses and practical courses, with practical courses simulating real world environments to assist in the perfection of skills and methods often used in one's chosen field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the obtaining of entry level employment.

Programs offered include:

• Paralegal
• Business
• Accounting
• Nursing Assistant
• Graphic Design

Admissions and Financial Aid
Western Iowa Tech Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individual to enroll by supplying an application for admission and paying associated fees. Individuals should be at least eighteen years of age or older or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students should supply transcripts and standardized test scores if available, and may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. Students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine need and aid program eligibility for the student. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Iowa Tech Community College has offered the following program 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

• Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $37290

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

• Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
  • Total Employment: 540
  • Average Hourly Rate: $10.44
  • Average Annual Salary: $21710

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