Certificate and Degree Offerings

Cascade Culinary Institute Program Options

Culinary Arts, AAS
The Associate of Applied Science Culinary Arts Degree (100 credits) prepares students for positions in restaurant management. Employment opportunities and job functions will vary greatly with size of business, and geographical region. All employment opportunities benefit from membership in professional organizations and professional certification; students working while completing the program are eligible to become certified working chefs by the American Culinary Federation. Expect lower beginning compensation $12-$17 hourly wage- $34,000 yearly salary quick increases depending previous work experience, ability to perform more responsible and sophisticated tasks, and demonstrated commitment with industry certification.

Baking & Pastry Arts, AAS
The Baking & Pastry Arts curriculum (97 credits) is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge required for employment in the baking and pastry industry, including restaurants, hotels, independent bakeries and pastry shops, wholesale and retail markets, and high-volume bakeries.

Culinary Arts Certificate
Cascade Culinary Institute Certificate by the American Culinary Federation Foundation's Accrediting Commission is awarded after completing the designated 67 credits along with the Cooperative Work Experience internship working under the guidance of a local chef or caterer, as well as refining your business, writing and math skills through additional coursework. Students working while completing the program are eligible to become certified culinarians by the American Culinary Federation. Graduates may find positions as prep cooks, bakers, line cooks, private cooks, and in some cases Sous Chefs.  $9-$14 hourly wage /$17,000 - $25,000 yearly salary.

Kitchen Prep Certificate
The Cascade Culinary Institute Kitchen Prep Certificate prepares students in the fundamental techniques of "level one": baking, hot foods, garde manger and dining room service along with basic sanitation and food service nutrition. This certificate is wholly contained within the CCI Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Culinary Management Degree. Students are often employed in food preparation positions while financing their education. While this entry level position only pays $8.50 - $14 hourly wage, the ongoing professional experiences and relationships built within the industry are valuable to students pursuing additional education and training. See Kitchen Prep Certificate requirements.

Dietary Manager Certificate
Additional coursework in the Dietary Manager certificate program will prepare students to sit for the national examination to become a Certified Dietary Manager. A dietary manager is an asset to hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement centers, schools, correction facilities and other food service settings. See Dietary Manager Certificate requirements.

Sustainable Food Systems Certificate
The Sustainable Food Systems for Culinary Arts certificate program curriculum is designed to expose students to a blending of culinary arts skill development and that of sustainable operations and food sourcing practices. The curriculum is designed to expose students to the step-by-step process of classical and contemporary culinary arts techniques, and to serve as a competency-based learning experience that prepares students for a successful career within the hospitality industry. Students will also experience courses that emphasize sustainable restaurant operations, which will give them an in-depth knowledge of best practices that relate with sustainable operational and food sourcing practices. See Sustainable Food Systems Certificate requirements.

Oregon Transfer Degrees
For those wishing to become Culinary Entrepreneurs, Resort Food & Beverage Managers, Culinary Educators or Administrators acquiring a Bachelor's Degree is a must. The Associate of Science Oregon Transfer Business Degree (93-94 credits) transfers toward a Bachelor's Degree at an Oregon Public University. For those interested in out of state high educational institutions should check for transferability. Employment opportunities will vary greatly with size of business operation and geographical region. Median salary of $50,000 is based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.