What You Will Learn
If you are intrigued by the culinary world from all aspects of food preparation including cooking or baking to working in food management or becoming a food truck entrepreneur, consider earning a Certificate of Achievement in Culinary Arts at CCM. This certification provides a solid foundation, one that is highly valued in the culinary industry, and can open many doors for you.
At CCM you receive basic training for entry level opportunities, or the foundation for advanced studies, including Serv-Safe food handling certification.
The forthcoming 11,325-square-feet Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science (CECS), which is set to fully open for Spring 2026, will serve as the home to CCM’s Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ). You now have the opportunity to learn, experiment and build your future in a space that reflects the innovation and energy of today’s culinary world.
The new Baking Kitchen is one of your learning labs and is one of the best in the area. This stunning new facility reflects the highest standard and is outfitted with top-tier equipment, including advanced Combi-ovens, a rotating bread oven, marble-topped tables and “Boos” block workstations, A 14-foot dough sheeter, 40-quart globe mixers and Vulcan stoves—to support a full range of instruction.
With this advanced kitchen, CHAI-NJ continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for executive chefs, aspiring bakers and culinary professionals, providing a pipeline of qualified and well-educated employees.
Curriculum
Our Culinary Arts certificate is a 10-credit curriculum. Required courses include:
- Introduction to Food
- Food Management
- Serv-Safe Food Handling
You may choose to pursue an internship or expand upon your skillset in one of these specific areas: Food Production, Introduction to Baking, International Cuisines or Food Truck Entrepreneur.
This certificate is also a great entry into the associate degree program in Culinary Arts and Science at CCM.
Careers in the Field
Completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Culinary Arts opens career opportunities in:
- Catering Services
- Food Science
- Food Styling
- Pastry Making
- Professional Baking
- Professional Cooking
Why Study Culinary Arts at CCM?
- Recognized as a Top 10 Best Culinary School in New Jersey and a Top 20 Best Culinary School on the East Coast by Best Choice Schools.
- Our faculty are well-trained and knowledgeable in their respective area, and share their current and past career experiences, allowing you to develop and refine your culinary skills and be prepared for the challenges of the culinary industry.
- The forthcoming 11,325-square-feet Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science (CECS), which is set to fully open for Spring 2026, will serve as the home to CCM’s Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ).
- CHAI-NJ will focus on training executive chefs for the region’s many restaurants and provide a pipeline of qualified and well-educated employees. Gain practical, hands-on instruction in food and beverage management, as well as the customer service experience.
- The new, cutting-edge Baking Kitchen enables you to specialize in artisanal baking and pastry arts, gaining hands-on experience in a professional-grade environment tailored for precise, high-quality instruction.
- Meet and connect with experienced chefs and fellow like-minded students. Be a part of a community that also offers a plethora of campus life excitement and opportunity!
- As part of its service-learning projects, the department manages Titans Table — the food insecurity program at CCM. This project provides groceries and snacks to students and employees in need. All students are encouraged to volunteer with our department at the Interfaith Food Pantry to help serve the community!
The Department of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at CCM has a wide range of impressive credentials and institutional memberships:
- National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
- American Culinary Federation
- Chaine des Rôtisseurs: Gain access to events that are a collaboration between CCM and industry partners, as well as full rights and privileges of membership in the international Chaine des Rôtisseurs. You will be inducted at an official event and receive the decorations associated with your rank as “Rôtisseurs” which corresponds to your status as a student and future professional in our field.
Paying for Your Culinary Arts Education
Earning a Certificate of Achievement from CCM is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it? There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Introduction to Food
The modern kitchen offers a multitude of opportunities to explore the world of food. From the equipment available to the bounty of fresh and processed foods that can be obtained and prepared by both the novice and the more experienced cook, this course presents an introduction to the culinary arts.
Introduction to Baking
This is an introductory course in baking. This class introduces the student to the fundamental principles within a bakeshop and pastry kitchen. The student learns the basic baking ingredients and how they are used; weights, measurements, equipment, and importance of accuracy; and basic procedure common to bakery formulas. Students create and bake bread, quick bread, muffins, and assorted pies.
Food Truck Entrepreneur
Food trucks have become a popular and important part of the hospitality industry. This course introduces the fundamentals of owning and operating a food trailer or truck. The basics of food vending, business plans, menu planning, production design, location selection, federal/state/local regulations, licenses, and permits will all be covered in the coursework.
Culinary Arts Share Time (CAST) for High School Students
If you are a high school student in the Morris County Vocational School District, consider applying to CAST. This partnership enables juniors and seniors in high school, who reside in Morris County, to take career-focused, college-level courses that offer three possible pathways after graduation for career advancement:
- Direct entry into the workforce with certifications and credit
- One-year completion of associate degree at CCM
- Transfer with advanced standing to a four-year college or university
Culinary Opportunity Program (COP)
COP teaches fundamental skills in culinary and baking and is intended for students who have the physical and intellectual capacity, as well as the desire, to become a member of the workforce. This 72-hour job preparation program incorporates culinary and baking, Serv-Safe certification, resume preparation and the opportunity to meet potential employers.
Your Culinary Arts Faculty Advisor
Department Chairperson, Professor
