Culinary Management AAS

The Culinary Management (CLM) program at MCC introduces you to the range of opportunities found in the hospitality field. We prepare you with the necessary skills for starting positions within various settings of the food service industry. Coursework includes an introduction to hospitality and safety and sanitation, as well as skills classes in both culinary skills and baking and pastry. Courses are designed to meet industry standards.

The purpose of the CLM program is to increase the number of individuals trained in specialized food handling and preparation skills to fill a growing number of entry-level positions in the regional food service industry.

Stackable MCC certificates in this program include: Chef's Assistant I Certificate > Chef's Assistant II Certificate > Beverage Management Certificate > Assistant Restaurant Manager Certificate building up to the Culinary Management AAS

Sweet Scots Bakery, our student-run bakery, operates in the Fall semester.

Tartan Bistro, our student-run restaurant, operates in the Spring semester.

All students in lab skills classes must purchase their own approved MCC student uniform, hat, and tool kit from the MCC Store by the second week of classes. We suggest you pre-order your supplies from the MCC Store online and pick them up from the store, B126. Student course fees only cover the cost of food.

Contact (815) 479-7511 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $10,660.75

Credit Hours to Complete: 61

Weeks to Complete: 80


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Sample Semester 1 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: ENG-151#3 hrs,CLM-101#7 hrs,CLM-105#2 hrs,Select a Mathematics, Physical or Life Science Course#3 hrs,MCC-101#1 hr

Sample Semester 2 17 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: CLM-102#7 hrs,CLM-130#3 hrs,PAS-101#7 hrs

Sample Semester 3 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: CLM-103#5 hrs,CLM-107#3 hrs,SPE-151#3 hrs,PSY-151#3 hrs,CLM-100#2 hrs

Sample Semester 4 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: CLM-140#4 hrs,CLM-160#3 hrs,CLM-208#7 hrs,Select a General Education Course#3 hrs

Career Outlook

Related Programs

What you need to know about getting your Culinary Management AAS (CIP 12.0504)

Total Culinary Management AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $7,106.5 $20,078.15 $28,226.53 $28,226.53
Additional Costs $3,554.25 $3,554.25 $3,554.25 $3,554.25
Program Total $10,660.75 $23,632.4 $31,780.78 $31,780.78

What makes MCC's Culinary Management AAS program better than or distinct from similar programs at other institutions?

MCC offers two Associate of Applied Science degrees and several related certificates. The program is designed so you can complete your Chef's Assistant I Certificate or Baking and Pastry Assistant I Certificate as you work toward either your Culinary Management AAS or your Baking and Pastry Management AAS.

Be sure to apply for MCC scholarships to help defray the cost of your education. We have several scholarships specifically for culinary students.

How do I know this program is right for me?

  • Are you able to maintain a professional-level attendance record?
  • Are you able to perform repetitive tasks for an extended amount of time without assistance?
  • Are you physically and mentally able to work in situations with time limits?
  • Are you able to lift up to 50-pound boxes or bags of product?
  • Are you able to handle and grip a knife safely and efficiently without assistance?
  • Are you able to read and write clearly and concentrate effectively without assistance?
  • Are you able to perform basic math skills without the aid of a calculator?

How will MCC's Culinary Management AAS program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

The curriculum is designed to meet industry standards set by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The NRAEF prepares students for the NRAEF ManageFirst® industry certification as well as the ServSafe® Sanitation Manager certification.

What have graduates gone on to do?

Graduates have gone on to other institutions such as Kendall College, Roosevelt University, Northern Illinois University, and Southern Illinois University to further their culinary arts or pastry education. See information on transferring a two-year AAS degree to a four-year Culinary/Hospitality/Pastry program.

Outside of the Classroom

In addition to standard coursework, you have the opportunity to enroll in a working classroom via Tartan Bistro, our student-run restaurant, and Sweet Scots, our student-run bakery. With department chair permission, you may also apply to be paid interns in either the student-run bakery or restaurant.

Additional information:

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.