Program highlights
Prepare for a career in culinary arts with our associate degree program.
Let your passion for cooking grow into a rewarding, fulfilling career as a sous chef, chef de cuisine, or even food service director. The Culinary Institute of Michigan’s associate degree program in culinary arts is designed to give you a well-rounded foundation to prepare you for chef and other kitchen supervisory positions.
- Develop your cooking skills while learning about all aspects of restaurant operations, including management, table service, and menu planning.
- Train in state-of-the-art facilities that are equipped with the same tools professionals work with on the job.
- Get hands-on instruction from experienced culinary professionals in small classes that allow you the attention you deserve.
Join Us for a Day in the Kitchen!
Experience firsthand what it’s like to be a CIM student. Tour campus and learn more about the admissions process, financial aid, and student housing. You’ll also be able to roll up your sleeves and work alongside our award-winning chef instructors.
Credit hours
Semesters (Avg.)
Of CIM alums are employed within six months of graduating
Why study culinary arts?
As a CIM student, you’ll learn advanced culinary skills and techniques through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on workshops in our state-of-the-art facilities. Once you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take your Certified Culinarian certification exam and launch a career you’ll love.
Career Facts
Median yearly income
Outlook 2014 - 2024
Median salary for executives
Curriculum
CIM’s culinary arts degree program is a two-year program consisting of 60 credit hours (48 hours of major courses and 12 hours of general education requirements). Our curriculum includes culinary skills, restaurant techniques, and menu planning and analysis.
Additional requirements
Students must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better to graduate: Global Cuisine and Buffet Production, Restaurant Techniques. The culinary arts program also includes a 200-hour supervised work experience requirement.
Accreditation
The Muskegon and Port Huron Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). Graduates are eligible to become Certified Culinarians upon graduation. CIM is the only institution statewide and one of the only four in the U.S. to earn the “Recognition of Quality Culinary Education” designation from the World Association of Chefs Societies. 
Classes available
This program is offered in-person on our campuses in Muskegon and Port Huron. In Michigan, our students come from Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Cadillac, Dearborn, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Owosso, Traverse City, and many other locations. Beyond Michigan, our online graduates hail from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and other states.
On Campus Available
View campus locationsUnavailable on Baker Online
Core courses for this degree program are not offered through Baker Online.
For those interested, a selection of general education and prerequisite courses are available through Baker Online each semester.
Baker OnlineUnavailable on Online Live
Core courses for this degree program are not offered through Online Live.
For those interested, a selection of general education and prerequisite courses are available through Online Live each semester.
Online Live