AOS in Hospitality & Culinary Management

Become One of Tomorrow's Leaders Today.

APPLY TODAY

OVERVIEW

The professional world in the culinary sector can exceed far beyond the kitchen of a restaurant. There are a variety of roles and responsibilities that require multiple skillsets. From communication and collaboration to creativity and organization, hospitality and culinary management personnel perform important duties. A strong educational foundation combined with market experience is invaluable in building a successful career in hospitality management. It all begins with a degree in hospitality and culinary management, and here is everything you need to know about this degree path.


Classes are held Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 am to 1:45 pm. This is 5 hours per day, 4 days per week for a weekly total of 20 hours (excluding 45 minutes per day for lunch). Additionally, students who do not have transfer credits for appropriate General Education classes will have class every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 2:50 pm (for the first 3 semesters). These students will experience a weekly total of 23 hours (excluding 45 minutes per day for lunch). This program is a hybrid of in person instruction online learning.

  • What do you learn in culinary school when you study hospitality and culinary management?

    Culinary school provides the resources, skills, and lessons that you need to become a well-rounded, agile, proactive professional, inside and outside of the kitchen. You will learn from several different faculty members, each with a different perspective and expertise on each element of the culinary and hospitality business. From the operation inside the kitchen to managing people to growing a business, you will learn all of the skills, techniques, and applications to evolve and thrive in management. 


    Your early classes will cover basic cooking, food safety, and restaurant production curriculum. It will progress into a focus more on professional cooking, as well as courses on English and math. Later, classes will be more business-centric: human resources, accounting, facility management, entrepreneurship, and more. Higher-level restaurant production courses are also a part of these later terms. You’ll also have more concentrated sector education like bar and beverage management and hospitality marketing. At the end of your course and lab work at LCI, you will have all of the tools to be a competitive candidate in the hospitality management field.


  • What career opportunities are available with a degree in hospitality and culinary management?

    Your education, experience, and network provide a substantial base for the variety of opportunities that your future holds. Understanding the ins and outs of the culinary business, coupled with real-world experience in mitigating problems, overcoming challenges, and thinking outside of the box to create successful outcomes are all critical skills that lead a wide array of career options.


    • Accommodations Manager: An accommodation manager is responsible for efficiently seeing to the needs of an establishment’s guests. This ranges from ensuring that the cleanliness and maintenance of the structure are upheld while maintaining a budget. You will also oversee and train a staff, while ultimately dealing with any issues.

     

    • Catering manager: The planning and organization of food and beverage services falls under the purview of a catering manager. You’ll be responsible for meeting client expectations, maintaining food and hygiene standards, and ultimately meeting budgetary goals.

     

    • Chef: While you’ll be well trained in food prep and service techniques and skills, you may not consider a role as a chef. However, many chefs run and manage their own restaurants. From traditional restaurants to contract catering to cruise ships, there is no shortage of experiences. The responsibilities will vary based on your role, but the skills learned in a management curriculum can be applied as a chef as well.


    · Conference Center Management: Conference centers are a quintessential hospitality staple. You’ll be responsible for your guests' needs and the efficiency of any event that you host. In this role, find the balance between customer service and proper business management can be a challenge. Last-minute details and problem-solving will be common in this position.


    • Event Management: Event management is another key hospitality service. Whether it’s promotional, professional, or personal, creating and managing an efficient and effective event is the ultimate goal. 

     

    • Hotel Management: Hotels and restaurants are at the forefront of the hospitality and culinary industry. The fact that some of the most prestigious restaurants are in major hotels creates even more overlap. The day-to-day management of the hotel staff is the primary responsibility. Peripheral duties include budgeting, overseeing guest services, and the front-of-house roles like reception. Any food and beverage element in your hotel will also be under your leadership.


    · Restaurant Management: Obviously, with training and experience in a restaurant setting, restaurant management makes perfect sense. Whether it's as an executive chef, or strictly in a leadership role, your education will prepare you for this task.


    • Nutritionist

    • Food stylist

    • Personal Chef

    • Caterer

    • Chef Instructor

    • Bed and Breakfast Chef

    • Resort Chef

    • Hotel Chef

    • Event Venue Chef

    • Executive Chef


  • What scholarships are available for culinary school to study hospitality and culinary management?

    There are many scholarship opportunities available for culinary students. This is especially true for LCI students in every program. These scholarships consider a range of criteria and vary in value. They include:

    • LRAEF Scholarship: The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) scholarship program supports the continuing education of individuals pursuing a career in the culinary or hospitality sectors. These awards are merit-based, and values vary based on funds availability.
    • Niche.com $500 Culinary Scholarship: Open to all high school and college students interested in studying culinary arts. This scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, supplies, and other education-related expenses.
    • Culinary and Hospitality Program Scholarship: Open to students in the United States and Canada interested in taking food-related classes. Provided by TigerChef, two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
    • The James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program: This scholarship is for food-focused candidates with exceptional talent. It is an annual scholarship provided by the James Beard Foundation.
    • National Restaurant Association Education Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is provided by various funders and is for students interested in food-service-related post-secondary training.
    • WebstrauntStore Biannual Culinary & Hospitality Scholarship: This is a one-time grant for currently enrolled or prospective culinary arts or hospitality management students.
  • What financial aid is available for culinary school to study hospitality and culinary management?

    As with any post-secondary education, there are many different financial aid options. To receive financial aid, simply fill out a FASFA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

  • What are the admission requirements for Louisiana Culinary Institute?

    Again, with most post-secondary education destinations, several prerequisites need to be met or achieved to gain admission. To be accepted to Louisiana Culinary Institute, the following requirements need to be met.

    • Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
    • Complete the application and pay the $25.00 application fee.
    • Provide three references that can attest to your personal character.
    • Submit a short (500-word maximum) describing your desire to earn a culinary arts degree.
    • Complete the LCI-developed Culinary Math Test.
    • If you do not have an Associate Degree or higher or a college transcript with a grade of ‘C’ or higher in college-level math or English course, you must successfully pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.
    • Complete an interview with the Admissions Panel.
    • Provide proof of citizenship. This requires two forms of ID. One must be a photo ID.
    • Once accepted, a $75 registration fee is required.

  • What opportunities are available for military students who want to study hospitality and culinary management

    One very well earned benefit for the members of our nation’s military is the GI Bill™. This funds your education, and LCI is a military-friendly school that knows all of the ins and outs of this benefit. With an extensive support staff system that is focused on your success, LCI is well-versed in understanding your experience that can translate to academic credit.

  • How can ProStart help you accelerate your path to becoming a pastry chef?

    ProStart is a two-year program offered at select high schools that focuses on culinary arts and hospitality management. There are a number of benefits that come with participating in and completing the ProStart program. ProStart students are eligible for scholarships and academic credit that can reduce the cost of culinary school, and accelerate your time in the program. 

Hospitality and Culinary Management Video

Hospitality and Culinary Management Program Blogs

Hospitality Management Classes: The Benefits of a Hospitality and Culinary Management Degree
By Charlie Ruffolo 29 Nov, 2023
A hospitality and culinary management degree offers a thorough education that opens doors to a wide range of options, making it an experience that extends beyond the kitchen.
Admission to Culinary School:The ProStart Advantage
By Charlie Ruffolo 11 Jun, 2019
Considering a career in the culinary arts? ProStart is a two year program designed to give high school students a head start on their culinary education, from cooking to restaurant management.
Becoming a Professional Chef: The Benefits of a Double Major
By Charlie Ruffolo 22 Oct, 2018
Did you know that you can enhance your marketability as a chef with a double major in culinary school? The premier culinary school in the south explains the benefits, and feasibility of completing multiple degrees.
Show More

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

First Semester (White Level)


CA 111-ServSafe® Food Safety and Sanitation (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course is designed to instruct the student in the basic principles of sanitation and sanitary requirements following a HACCP program in receiving, storing, pre-preparation, and cooking and handling foods in a commercial kitchen. Special emphasis is given to time/temperature control, cross-contamination, and personal hygiene. This is the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) nationally recognized ServSafe® Course and is a Core Credential for the NRAEF ManageFirst Program®. Students are eligible to take the NRAEF certification test upon completion of this course to obtain the ServSafe® Sanitation Certification which is valid for five years.


CA 101-Professional Cooking I (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course introduces the history of French Classic Haute Cuisine and teaches the fundamentals of professional cooking techniques using moist and dry methods in a commercial food service facility. Students are introduced to basic nutrition and are taught how to incorporate proper nutrition into their dishes. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of recipe writing and interpretation, as well as the different types of menus used in commercial food service. The student learns how to properly utilize commercial food equipment in a safe and sanitary manner. Pre-preparation techniques are covered with emphasis on the proper use and handling of kitchen knives. 


CA 121-Restaurant Production and Service I (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour) 


Students are introduced to the commercial kitchen and shown how to use and work with the equipment to practice their pre-preparation techniques in learning mise en place. This kitchen laboratory emphasizes proper pre-preparation methods and mise en place. Students are taught how to prep food items for proper cooking and are shown the proper techniques for using all commercial kitchen equipment safely. Proper use of knives is demonstrated with ample time allowed for the students to practice knife cutting techniques.


CA 109-Bread Basics (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour) 


This course covers basic bread production. The students will gain an understanding of working with breads through study and manipulative skills. Lean, Rich, and laminated breads will be included.


CA 102-Professional Cooking II (60 Lecture Clock Hours/ 4 Semester Credit Hours)


Students are introduced to the use and production of stocks, sauces and soups. The fundamentals of stock making are taught and the students are shown specific stock-making techniques. Students are then shown how to produce the five lead sauces using the stocks produced as well the fundamentals of making clear, thick and National soups. 


CA 104–Professional Cooking IV (60 Lecture Clock Hours/ 4 Semester Credit Hours) 


Students learn the basics of vegetable and starch cookery as well as the understanding of vegetarian diets. The students learn to identify, handle, process and cook commonly used vegetables, starches, legumes, grains and pasta as well as how to control texture, flavor and color changes and nutrient losses. Students also learn the dynamics of vegetarian diets and how to plan nutritious vegetarian menus.


CA 103-Professional Cooking III (60 Lab Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours) 


Students learn the basics of meat, poultry and seafood cookery. The students learn to identify the primal cuts of beef, lamb, veal and pork and list the fabricated cuts from each of them. The composition and structure of meat is described in terms of the relationship of the proper cooking techniques used in its cooking. Students are taught the proper handling and cooking of poultry, utilizing both dry and moist heat cooking methods with emphasis of the correct procedure used for the “slow-roasting” of large birds.


OR


CA 110-Introduction to Baking and Pastry (60 Lab Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours) 


This course covers the fundamentals of the commercial kitchen bakeshop. Students are taught the fundamentals of bakeshop principles in relationship to how they are applied in cakes, pastries, cookies, ice creams, sorbets and pie production in a commercial bakery.


MAT 101-Essentials of Math (Mathematics) (45 Lecture Clock Hours/ 3 Semester Credit Hours) 


This course encompasses the basics of practical math. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and applications of mathematics utilizing skill building modules which prepare the student with the skills and competencies that they will need to enter the workforce.

2nd Semester (Blue Level)


CA 103-Professional Cooking III (60 Lab Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


Students learn the basics of meat, poultry and seafood cookery. The students learn to identify the primal cuts of beef, lamb, veal and pork and list the fabricated cuts from each of them. The composition and structure of meat is described in terms of the relationship of the proper cooking techniques used in its cooking. Students are taught the proper handling and cooking of poultry, utilizing both dry and moist heat cooking methods with emphasis of the correct procedure used for the “slow-roasting” of large birds.


OR


CA 110-Introduction to Baking and Pastry (60 Lab Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course covers the fundamentals of the commercial kitchen bakeshop. Students are taught the fundamentals of bakeshop principles in relationship to how they are applied in cakes, pastries, cookies, ice creams, sorbets and pie production in a commercial bakery.


CA 122-Restaurant Production II (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


The laboratory class is designed for students to practice proper cooking techniques in commercial food service. Students are given an extensive review of cooking techniques and procedures, measurements, knife skills and mise en place and are required to prepare and serve examples of each technique and procedure on meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables and starches for the faculty/staff/student meal service.


CA 132-Restaurant Service II (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


The laboratory class is designed for students to practice proper serving techniques in commercial food service. Students learn proper serving techniques and wait staff service management.


CA 105–Professional Cooking V (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


Students learn the basics of salads, sandwiches, and hors d’oeuvres cookery, as well as the basics of hot and cold food presentation and garnish. Students are introduced to the types of salads produced in food service and their preparation techniques. Techniques for the production of different types of sandwiches are demonstrated as well as the preparation and proper production of hors d’oeuvres. The students are also taught the importance of presenting food attractively and are shown techniques in the use of the balance of color, shape and texture to do so. Students are also taught how to make and use garnishes for use in presenting food more attractively.


CA 106–Professional Cooking VI (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


Students learn the basics of breakfast cookery, dairy products and breakfast beverages. Students learn breakfast cookery with a focus on the many types of egg production, breakfast breads and breakfast meats. Students also learn the various types and production of dairy products including a good overall introduction to cheeses. Proper coffee and tea service is also taught in this course.


CA 123-Restaurant Production III (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students practice their cooking techniques in preparing menu courses for the faculty/staff/student meal service. The emphasis in this kitchen laboratory is for students to hone their cooking skills in preparing meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables and starches utilizing both moist and dry heat cooking methods appropriately.


CA 133-Restaurant Service III (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students practice their techniques in serving food menu courses for the faculty/staff/student meal service. Students cultivate their front of the house service and management techniques, including training on the MICROS system.


CA 211-Introduction to Hospitality and Restaurant Management (30 Lecture Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course is designed as an overview and introduction to the hospitality and restaurant management industry, with a specific focus on leadership and management techniques. At the end of this course, students take the National Restaurant Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) ManageFirst® test. 


CA 112-Catering and Volume Food Service (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This is an introductory course on catering for food service and hospitality managers which utilizes sound guidelines and a practical approach to operating and managing a catering business. The course includes the guidelines on how to do on and off premise catering, hire and manage catering personnel, writing a contract, sanitation, set up a kitchen, set up and use service equipment, conduct special events and kosher catering along with wine and bar service, menu making and food presentation.


ENG 101-English Composition (Humanities) (45 Lecture Clock Hours/ 3 Semester Credit Hours)


This is a basic course on English grammar and composition designed to provide students with a detailed, structured approach to composition using the three steps of the writing process: prewriting, writing and rewriting. The course includes a review of grammar, offers opportunities for general and career-focused writing, and encourages improvement through addressing the writer’s audience and purpose and by providing tools for proofreading and editing.


3rd Semester (Red Level)


CA 222-Restaurant Production V (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students learn “A La Carte” production techniques and procedures used in full service restaurants while cooking food menu courses for the faculty/staff/student meal service.


CA 232-Restaurant V (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students continue to demonstrate proficiency in front of the house service techniques, as well as focusing on front of the house management techniques. Students begin to learn table-side service and higher service standards.


CA 311-Wine Fundamentals (30 Lecture Hours / 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This is a thorough introductory course on wine which presents culinary arts and hospitality students with the practical and detailed knowledge necessary to manage wine and wine sales. The course encompasses the basics of wine, the wine regions of the world, types of wine and the business of wine.


LS 200 – Career Management (Humanities) (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course provides students with an overview of skills they learned in previous courses relating to achieving success in the workplace. Specific topics include transforming personal interests into professional goals; searching for, securing, and maintaining employment; seeking out and making networking opportunities; and professional development.


CA 221-Restaurant Production IV (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students continue to use their cooking techniques in preparing menu items for the faculty/staff/student meal service. This kitchen production laboratory is designed for the student to continue practicing the proper cooking methods in preparing quality food menu items with special emphasis on the more advanced recipes.


CA 231-Restaurant Service IV (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students continue to use their learned techniques in serving food and beverage menu items for the faculty/staff/student meal service. Additionally, students demonstrate proficiency in front of the house service.


NUT 201-Nutrition (Natural or Applied Science) (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course is thorough overview of basic nutrition. This course offers the student a thorough and up-to-date overview of information on nutrition and diet and includes topics such as the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, My Pyramid, balanced menu options, basic principles of food presentation, meeting special dietary needs, and weight management.


MAT 102-Controlling Costs (Mathematics) (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course focuses on the mathematics and decision-making required to control the costs within the foodservice industry. Topics include accounting and profitability, as well as other necessary components needed to effectively and successfully manage a restaurant.


CA 223-Restaurant Production VI (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students continue to hone their A La Carte production techniques while focusing on managing the kitchen to produce the faculty/staff/student meal.


CA 233-Restaurant Service VI (30 Lab Clock Hours/ 1 Semester Credit Hour)


Students continue to hone their serving techniques while focusing on managing the front of the house in a fine-dining establishment.


PSY 201-Psychology for Leadership (Behavioral Science) (45 Lecture Clock Hours/ 3 Semester Credit Hours)


This course is a study of the psychology used by leaders and managers in the business world. This course covers the many aspects of psychology needed by leaders and managers in today’s businesses in order to manage personnel more effectively. The course subjects include psychology for successful leading, forging a common direction, working together, making use of problems and barriers, and becoming leaders.

4th Semester (Green Level)

 

HCM 303-Human Resource Management and Supervision (45 Lecture Clock Hours/ 3 Semester Credit Hours)


This course includes the basic principles of effective human resource management and supervision. Students will explore the nuances associated with the employer – employee relationship, from recruiting competent staff, proper compensation, retention and finally termination. This is a National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ManageFirst Program® course. Students are eligible to take the NRAEF certification test upon completion of this course.


HCM 301-Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship (60 Lecture Clock Hours/ 4 Semester Credit Hours)


This course explores the foundation of business and entrepreneurship. Students examine business structures, ethics, and laws, as well as the qualifications required to establish a successful entrepreneurial enterprise.


HCM 232-Hospitality Accounting (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course covers the application of basic accounting principles to hospitality industry establishments. Topics include managing cash, managing payables and receivables, exploring costs, budget preparation, profit and loss reporting, cost control, and the capital budget. This is a National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ManageFirst Program® course. Students are eligible to take the NRAEF certification test upon completion of this course.


HCM 252-Hospitality and Restaurant Marketing (30 Lecture Clock Hours/ 2 Semester Credit Hours)


This course explores the marketing process in the hospitality field, with special emphasis on restaurants, through understanding the market environment and customer behavior. Topics include preparing a marketing plan, advertising, public relations, and evaluating the marketing effort. This is a National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ManageFirst Program® course. Students are eligible to take the NRAEF certification test upon completion of this course.





ACFEF CHEA Reporting

DISCLOSURES

At this time, there are no national or state legal requirements for licensure for culinary arts professionals. Additionally, there are no unique requirements for career paths or for employment and advancement opportunities within the culinary arts.
SEE ALL DISCLOSURES
Share by: