The culinary arts are a special level of excellence found only in the finest food and beverage settings. The hospitality industry looks to the professional chef for mastery of the cookery and food-preparation techniques that create the true culinary artist.

There is an ever-increasing need for the culinary artist/professional chef in today’s hospitality and travel industry. It takes an expert in the fine art of food preparation to create the midnight buffets that are a cruise-line tradition, the gala food presentations that highlight corporate meetings and conventions, and the gourmet meals served at major restaurants and in fine hotels and resorts.

The Instructional Program

Delhi offers an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Culinary Arts. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), verifying that all knowledge and skills are met as required by the nation's most prestigious accrediting organization. The program features an extensive hands-on approach to the culinary arts, along with instruction in the liberal arts and sciences. A fine culinary dining experience is provided in the student restaurant, Signatures by Candlelight. Each Culinary Arts senior serves as Executive Chef for one evening, preparing the menu based on a variety of classical cuisines.

A summer internship and cooperative study at a major culinary establishment is a required component of the program. Delhi has over 50 years of experience in hospitality education, and its record of success has led to solid working relationships with the leading hotels, resorts, and restaurants that specialize in culinary arts. This network can assist students in identifying positions for their internship or for employment upon graduation.

Delhi also offers a bachelor (B.B.A.) degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Culinary Arts Management. For information on this program, see the Hospitality Management program description.

Disney Connection

SUNY Delhi students in all hospitality programs (Culinary Arts, Club Management, Hotel and Resort Management, Restaurant and Foodservice Management, and Travel and Tourism Management) have successfully participated in the Walt Disney College Program for many years. Through this program, students work at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for six months in a unique working/learning experience. Students can earn SUNY Delhi course credit for the Disney courses offered as part of this program while they are working at Disney. Any student interested in this special program option should discuss it with his/her advisor early in their Delhi career. Disney courses include Communications, Leadership, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Disney Marketing U, and Disney Experiential Learning.

Work Requirement

Each student must complete a minimum of 480 hours of work experience in a position related to the hospitality industry during the summer between the first and second years of study. This professional work experience enhances and complements classroom learning. Upon completion, students are evaluated by their employer and submit a comprehensive report. Faculty assist in finding job opportunities, but the student assumes responsibility for securing a position.

Professional Dress

For all hospitality students, professional dress is required for the Orientation class, field trips, interviews, and other special occasions. Professional dress consists of jackets and ties for men; suits, professional pant suits, skirts and blouses, or dresses for women. Jeans, sneakers, or work boots are not acceptable.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0578

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students who intend to receive A.A., A.S., or baccalaureate degrees must satisfy SUNY and campus General Education (GE) requirements to graduate. Students should be aware that GE requirements may vary by academic program. Consult with your academic advisor. For general information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog.

A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree students may not be required to fulfill General Education (GE) requirements; however, any student who may wish to transfer should complete as many GE courses as possible. Consult with your academic advisor.

First Semester

Second Semester

Summer Session: CULN 200 Culinary Internship ⁴  2 cr. hrs.

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 63 credit hours

Notes

¹ English is by placement according to competency.

² Mathematics is by placement according to competency.

³ Students interested in pursuing a B.B.A. degree are required to take Economics.

⁴ This two-credit course requires 480 hours of professional work experience.

⁵ Restricted Electives

Technical Standards: In addition to academic requirements, all applicants must also be able to meet the minimum Technical Standards for Business and Computer Information Systems and for Hospitality, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

• be a high school graduate with a minimum 75% overall average or a minimum 2500 GED test score
• have 73% or higher on the Algebra Regents and Biology Regents exams

A graduate of the Culinary Arts A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Discuss the scope of the hospitality industry.
2. Understand and apply the vocabulary and practical skills required of the culinary professional, including: cooking principles, food science, sanitation, and safe use and care of equipment.
3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the menu as a major management tool for foodservice operations, including its role as a merchandising mechanism and vehicle for the presentation of food and beverage products.
4. Understand and apply the techniques, measurements, ingredients, mathematical calculations, and chemistry that are the foundation of successful professional baking.
5. Prepare and present cold food with an emphasis on the standards, principles, methods, and techniques required to produce quality, wholesome garde manger and charcuterie products.
6. Demonstrate a realistic understanding of how to operate a restaurant through hands-on experience in all aspects of running a restaurant operation.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of nutrition, including familiarity with carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
8. Exhibit knowledge of traditional management theory, leadership and management roles, organizational structure and change, service, quality, decision making, empowerment, and ethics.
9. Discuss the theories and philosophy of nutritional microbiology, with emphasis on the significance of microorganisms to food preparation and spoilage, methods of microbial control, and food-transmitted diseases.
10. Display a thorough understanding of the culinary arts industry, acquired through a required twelve-week summer internship.
11. Display familiarity with food and beverage cost-control systems, including accounting systems applied to sales, food, beverage, and labor cost controls.