Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management

Love cooking, baking, and creating memorable experiences with food? ECC’s Culinary Arts program offers three exciting areas of study—Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management—that prepare you for rewarding careers in restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and beyond. Our state-of-the-art kitchens and professional labs provide hands-on training under the guidance of expert instructors. You’ll even have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy or Austria, gaining firsthand experience with international cuisine and cultural diversity.

Through Spartan To Go, students gain real-world experience in both cooking and customer service, while small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and mentorship. Graduates earn ServSafe Certification, a key professional credential recognized throughout the industry. In the Hospitality Management track, you’ll develop essential business and leadership skills—including strategic management, menu design, pricing, staffing, beverage management, and food costing—preparing you to thrive in any hospitality setting.

Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor for more information, including course listings and class descriptions.

Degree Programs

• Culinary Arts
• Pastry Arts
• Hospitality Management

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Please refer to the ECC catalog for program details and course descriptions.

ECC Catalog

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The hospitality and culinary industry continues to grow, creating exciting opportunities for skilled professionals. With increased travel, tourism, and demand for unique dining experiences, restaurants, hotels, and food service establishments are seeking qualified managers, chefs, and bakers to lead their teams.

Careers in Restaurant Management

The outlook is strong if you’re pursuing a career as a restaurant or food service manager. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for restaurant and beverage managers is expected to grow 10% by 2031—faster than the national average. Graduates can find positions in:

• Restaurants and cafés
• Hotels and resorts
• School and corporate dining services
• Bars, pubs, and catering operations

High Demand for Culinary Professionals

Culinary careers such as executive chef, sous chef, or pastry chef are in high demand nationwide. The U.S. Department of Labor projects 15% job growth for culinary graduates by 2031. Opportunities include:

• Pastry chefs, bakers, and cake decorators – 10% job growth projected
• Executive and sous chefs – strong demand in restaurants and hospitality venues
• Catering and food production managers – expanding in both private and institutional settings

Your Path to a Rewarding Career

A degree or certificate in hospitality or culinary arts prepares you for immediate employment and long-term advancement. Whether you want to manage a restaurant, lead a kitchen, or create unforgettable dining experiences, the skills you gain at Elgin Community College can open doors to a fulfilling career.

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