Culinary Arts

Program Level: Degrees, Certificates
Department: Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Institute: Business & Entrepreneurship
College: SPC

What is the Culinary Arts program?

The Culinary Arts program prepares students for careers in the visitor and hospitality industries that are vital to the San Antonio and South Texas economy. The industry has grown handsomely in the recent past and is currently the city's second-largest industry. Approximately 37 million people visit San Antonio per year, and the tourism industry has an estimated  $19 billion impact on the city's economy.

What will I learn?

The competencies needed to be successfully employed in the culinary arts industry.

What can I do with this course of study?

Pursue a career as Food Production Chef, Fine Dining Chef, Kitchen Manager, Caterer, Research and Development Chef, or Personal Chef.

What's special about the program?

Our exemplary status program allows graduates to attain Certified Culinarian status from the American Culinary Federation and prepares graduates for rigorous career demands.

Program Accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission as exemplary for seven (7) years not to exceed June 30, 2029. Our exemplary status program allows graduates to attain Certified Culinarian status from the American Culinary Federation and prepares graduates for a variety of culinary careers.

The program was recognized as an Exemplary Workforce Education Program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The tourism industry has an estimated $19 billion impact on San Antonio's economy.
Program Accreditation, Licensure and Information

The Culinary Arts AAS Program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), located at 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095. ACF's telephone number is (904) 824-4468.

Visit the American Culinary Federation (ACF) website

Graduates of ACFEF accredited postsecondary degree or certificate/diploma programs who are members at the time of graduation are eligible to receive either a Certified Culinarian® (CC®) or Certified Pastry Culinarian® (CPC®) certification depending on the concentration of their program without paying any fees or taking any separate exams. 

Program Statistics

Contact Information

Department Chair:
Frank Salinas, CCC, CCE, M.Ed
jsalinas@alamo.edu
210-486-2311
MLK Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts (THCA) Building, 318A
Program Director:
Patrick Brown
pbrown24@alamo.edu
210-486-2319
MLK Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts (THCA) Building, 314