Welcome to Culinary Arts, Restaurant and Hospitality Management
Just the Facts
Entry: Fall or Spring
Length: 4 semesters + 1 summer internship experience
Award: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
Program Guide: Culinary Arts, Restaurant & Hospitality Management
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Program Information
The Culinary Arts, Restaurant and Hospitality Management program of study prepares students for a challenging career in all facets of the hospitality industry. The curriculum emphasizes fundamental and intermediate techniques in culinary arts, restaurant and institutional management and supervisory skills as well as training to become an entry level culinarian. Related instruction emphasizes supervision, cost controls, human relations and management, nutrition and wellness, advanced culinary garde manger, culinary baking, fine dining management and personnel.
"Culinary Arts, Restaurant and Hospitality Management is a program that is growing leaps and bounds. Along with the latest publicity that the food business has received we feel that our program is the perfect 'springboard' for a successful leap into business."
Career Opportunities
There is a great demand in our Metro area restaurants as well as around the nation for qualified food service employees. No matter what aspect of food service you are interested in, the field is open: from service to catering, from marketing to cooking, the job opportunities are endless.
Articulation/Transfer Opportunities
Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state.
Student Organizations
The Food Tech Club is a student organization that has created many opportunities for the aspiring culinarians of our program. Through this club there is an opportunity each year to attend the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Who knows? There's a chance that you will rub shoulders with your favorite food network stars. And you will learn the latest and greatest cutting edge techniques and tips in the business.
Throughout the year there are also opportunities to compete against students from other community colleges in Iowa. Show your creative flair through various sponsored events such as the Iowa Pork Producers annual Pork Competition in Des Moines, Iowa or the Reinhart Beef Competition held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. These are all exciting experiences that are all made possible through the hard work of the students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need uniforms and culinary supplies?
Yes, through the IWCC bookstore there is a freshman kit to buy at the beginning which includes:
- knives
- chef coat
- chef pants
- hat
- black tuxedo pants
- white tuxedo shirt
- bow tie
- shoes
Is the Culinary Arts program certified?
Yes. We are an ACF certified program with the American Culinary Foundation. Their mission statement is: "It is our goal to make a positive difference for culinarians through education, apprenticeship, and certification, while creating a fraternal bond of respect and integrity among culinarians everywhere."
For more information on ACF Certification please visit www.acfchefs.com.
Will I be able to do an internship?
Students are required to complete a minimum 128 hour internship experience with an employer in the job of their choice within the food service industry. This gives the student an opportunity to experience a part of the industry that they might not have initially considered. Once a student leaves Iowa Western, they can feel confident that they have made the right choice in their career endeavors.
Scholarship Information
Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.
The Culinary Arts program has one active scholarship for students. The "The Cory Vredeveld" endowed scholarship began to provide scholarship funds for program students starting Fall 2006. Through the continued hard work of our students and staff; money is being raised for the "Noah Relford" endowed scholarship to honor a culinary student who passed away in 2003.
Come See Culinary Arts for yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Culinary Arts program at Iowa Western yourself by scheduling a visit.
Mike Hoppe
Program Chair
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
1-800-432-5852 or 712-325-3238