Program Details
Program Details
Use this dropdown to update your zip code
Back to top

Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Culinary Fundamentals

Career Studies Certificate
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

The Culinary Fundamentals program is intended to develop knowledge and skills in the modern and classical kitchen through techniques, products, and industry relation. The curriculum provides technical education in basic to intermediate skill development in sanitation, the kitchen, cooking, terminology, identification, communication, and computer systems.  This credential leads to entry-level employment in a variety of culinary and retail career paths.

Outcomes

Outcome: Industry Standard Safety & Sanitation Practices Identify and apply benchmark industry standards for operating a safe sanitary food service operation that meets regional health code standards and as a moral and legal responsibility of management Outcome: Explore & Apply industry techniques via direct placement & practice Integrate culinary knowledge and demonstrate entry level practical skills from across the curriculum in a real-world work setting to illustrate career readiness and employ-ability (Exploratory Internship)


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Prepares students to get their first food service job - basic skill sets taught and developed
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Faculty provide advising to enhance student success. All students wishing to enroll in Culinary Fundamentals CSC must attend an advising session. Once enrolled, students must meet with their advisor every semester to review their scheduling strategy and status toward graduation. Information about advising and enrolling in classes is available at the following link: www.reynolds.edu/get_started/programs/business/culinary_and_hospitality/admission.aspx . Students who earn a final grade lower than "C" in any HRI or major-related course, as identified by the program, must obtain permission from their advisor to continue the major in Culinary Fundamentals CSC. Students will be required to repeat courses in their major when grades lower than "C" are earned. Exceptions must be reviewed and approved in writing by the program head. The competency-based nature of the curriculum allows students with previous educational studies or training experience to be evaluated for advanced standing called ABLE. Students who believe they are eligible for such consideration are required to meet with their advisor to discuss eligibility. If the advisor determines this option may apply, the student must meet with the program head for full evaluation and possible advanced standing to gain access to the process and materials required for submission and evaluation. The recommended sequence can be viewed at https://www.reynolds.edu/get_started/programs/business/culinary_and_hospitality/default.aspx COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT: Students in this program will meet the college's computer competency requirement by successfully completing HRI 159. REQUIRED UNIFORMS AND TOOL KITS: Students enrolled in HRI courses must wear an approved uniform and possess an approved tool kit for HRI courses. Specifications may be obtained at https://www.reynolds.edu/uniforms-for-culinary or from the program head. All required items are available through the campus bookstore, and financial aid may be used to assist with obtaining these items. FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the Culinary Arts AAS degree and specializations require the following: Approved uniform items: chef jacket, chef pants, slip resistant black kitchen safety shoes, hat, apron $185.00 +/- Supplies: medium black Sharpie marker, yellow highlighter, basic pocket calculator, pocket size notebook $25.00 +/- Textbooks, MyLab products, and other supplies $1800.00 +/- Approved tool kit $400.00 +/- Specialization - specific items See program head These costs are approximate, are subject to change without notice, and do not cover transportation costs. DIETARY EXCEPTION POLICY: While enrolled and participating in the Culinary Arts program, especially laboratories, students will come into contact with various ingredients, some of which are familiar to them and many that are not. The Culinary Arts AAS is aligned with industry standards and expectations, which require students to be industry-ready upon completion of the program. The industry expects taste development; therefore, a majority of the program revolves around "tasting as you go" as a standard of higher-level cooking, comprehension, and assessment. Without directly participating in tasting, the chances of a successful dish and grade are highly compromised. The following areas address these potential concerns: TASTING - Part of the educational portion of the program is exposure to new ingredients, products, and flavor pairings. During required classes, students will participate in tasting activities of foods that include safe to eat raw and fresh ingredients; cooked ingredients; and fresh, uncooked, and cooked dishes. Students will be expected to taste all items, except those that are documented on file as food restrictions. The process of discerning tastes, flavors, seasonings, and "dish needs" is included as part of the grading rubric. Students who do not participate in tasting activities will have their grade adjusted accordingly. ALLERGIES - The college is committed to student safety. Students with allergy concerns need to provide documentation of food allergies from their doctor to be registered and on file with the Office of Student Accommodations, at which time the student will be provided an accepted accommodations form for presentation to every instructor for each related course, each semester. Students need to provide in written form the process for assisting them if an issue arises related to this. It is the student's responsibility to assure these documents are on file with the Office of Student Accommodations and that they are shared with faculty prior to being needed. In the event that a student opts out of a tasting activity, the instructor will offer a relevant alternative written assignment for the student to complete as a graded alternative to the objectionable tasting activity. RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES - Whereas Reynolds accepts students of all faiths, certain programs contain learning activities that may not align with specific religions or religious practices. The Culinary Arts AAS and its specializations are examples of these programs. Students may choose not to participate in tasting activities if a specific item conflicts with their religious beliefs; however, all efforts should be made to participate within reason. In the event that a student opts out of a tasting activity, the instructor will offer a relevant alternative written assignment for the student to complete as a graded alternative to the objectionable tasting activity. A second option, referred to as the "Taste and Spit Method," is also available. Tasting and subsequent spitting allow the student to experience the sensory attributes of the food without actually consuming the food. This option satisfies the intended learning benefits of tasting and would not require the completion of the alternative written assignment. During the first week of classes, students need to inform faculty in written form of any religious restrictions. RESTRICTIVE AND MEDICAL DIETS - Documented accommodations through the Office of Accommodations are intended to provide a safe environment for students. Only documented restrictions that provide students a reasonable ability to complete the course and program objectives may be accommodated. It is possible that not all requested accommodations will be granted through the Office of Student Accommodations, as those that are provided may still require students to complete tasks, recipes, and formulas that work with the product in question as part of comprehensive learning. As an example, a student with Celiac's Disease who opts out of a tasting activity will be offered a relevant alternative written assignment as a graded alternative to the objectionable tasting activity. LIFESTYLE AND ELECTIVE DIETS - Whereas the choice of following a lifestyle or elective diet is respected, there are instances where they may not be accommodated within this program. These diets include, but are not limited to, Vegan, Raw Only, Vegetarian, Lacto-Ovo, Lacto, Ovo, Pollotarian, Pescatarian, and Flexitarian. Students may choose not to participate in certain tasting activities; however, their grade will be reflective of these choices. Students may choose an option referred to as the "Taste and Spit Method." Tasting and subsequent spitting allow the student to experience the sensory attributes of the food without actually consuming the food. Students who choose to taste may spit out the product after assessing the characteristics related to the educational objectives. Students with a particular concern or question should reach out directly to the program head or the Office of Student Accommodations. TECHNICAL STANDARDS: It is understood that any student who is otherwise qualified may be able to use reasonable accommodations in order to meet program standards that are necessary for employment in the culinary industry. Students with an identified disability should contact the Office of Student Accommodations in order to receive available, reasonable accommodations. Students in the Culinary Arts program must have the ability to perform sufficiently kitchen, internship, externship, dining room, market cafe, laboratory, and classroom activities and procedures. A list of essential functions, educational and industry standards, and related examples is provided at https://www.reynolds.edu/standards.

Considerations When Selecting Courses

All HRI programs (or credentials/awards) have specific advising practices. Please speak to one of the designated advisors for enrollment

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Pre-requisite classes must be followed.
Doing More With Your Degree prep cook, line cook, short order cook, catering cook
Program Successes & Highlights Culinary Arts is ACF Accredited. Students have conducted internships with Hershey Park, Disney, The Inn at Little Washingtion, and Momofuku. Graduates have opened their own restaurants, food trucks, catering, and personal chef businesses. The Reynolds Culinary program has graduates all across the world working in 5 star resorts and restaurants to those in local businesses.
Related Programs & Certifications
Expand or Shrink Accordion
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Link
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Culinary Fundamentals
21
Career Studies Certificate in Culinary Fundamentals
21
Course Grad Req 221-242-03
21
Culinary Fundamentals Req
21
SDV 101
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HRI 115
1
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
HRI 106
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
HRI 119
2
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
HRI 190 or SPA 107
1
Earn 1 credits: Complete the following
Earn 1 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
HRI 136
1
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
HRI 218
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
HRI 159
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Approved Specialization Electi
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Not Required

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School
Credit for Prior Learning Prior learning is considered
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
916
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
100% of students who have earned an American high school diploma or completed a GED or equivalency.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? https://issuu.com/reynoldscommunitycollege/docs/digital_hs_recruitment_packet?fr=sZmMwOTQ3OTA5NA
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Not Required
Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Central Virginia Community CollegeAAS in Culinary ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Culinary ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This program could not be matched to any related careers. Please contact the institution for assistance with matching this program to careers.

Cost To Complete
Expand or Shrink Accordion

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 21 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Culinary Fundamentals at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 1 semesters or 0.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $163 Per Credit $3,423 $0 $3,423
Fees
Additional Fees $0 Per Semester $0 0 $0 Additional fees per semester of $8.50 for In-State and $32.00 for Out-of-State students.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
Ready To Enroll?
  • Find the program you want and apply here.
  • OR
  • Contact a navigator using the form below and they will guide you through the enrollment process.