Culinary Arts Technology
School of Hospitality
Hager Lifelong Education Center, Rm. A125B · (570) 327-4505
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the job outlook for graduates of the Culinary Arts Technology program?
- What type of salary can I expect with a degree in Culinary Arts Technology?
- Why should I choose Penn College for a degree in Culinary Arts Technology?
- Will the college help me locate a job?
- What subjects should I take in high school to prepare for this program?
- Do you award credit for life experience?
- Is the Culinary Arts Technology program recognized nationally?
- What does it mean to be a certified chef?
- What is an internship and where do students complete their internships?
- Why should I get an associate's degree?
- What tools are required for the Culinary Arts Technology program?
- How much hands-on experience will I get in the Culinary Arts Technology program?
- What is the program's job placement rate?
- If I complete the Culinary Arts Technology program, can I transfer into the Culinary Arts & Systems bachelor’s degree program?
- Are S.A.T. scores required for admission into the Culinary Arts Technology program?
- What types of jobs do Culinary Arts Technology graduates get?
- Are scholarships available to Penn College students and how do you apply for them?
Q: What is the job outlook for graduates of the Culinary Arts Technology program?
A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, positions for chefs and head cooks are estimated to grow by 17% nationwide by 2014.
Q: What type of salary can I expect with a degree in Culinary Arts Technology?
A: In 2004, the national average salary for chefs and head cooks was $31,400.
Q: Why should I choose Penn College for a degree in Culinary Arts Technology?
A: In the School of Hospitality, the student-to-faculty ratio in labs is 12:1 and in classrooms is 24:1. Students have extensive opportunities for hands-on experience through internships, labs, and practice in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant. The school's equipment and facilities are all state-of-the-art and the program is accredited by American Culinary Federation's Foundation Accrediting Commission.
Q: Will the college help me locate a job?
A: Penn College's Counseling, Career and Disability Services Office offers a wide variety of career services to students. Services include two career expos each year, resume and interview preparation, and on-campus interviews. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the center’s electronic recruiting system - a secure online system that connects students with prospective employers.
Q: What subjects should I take in high school to prepare for this program?
A: Academic subjects, such as algebra, English and science are highly recommended. Technical courses in food preparation, if available, are recommended, but not required, to enter the program.
Q: Do you award credit for life experience?
A: Yes, students whose life or work experience warrants consideration for academic credit can apply through the School of Hospitality Office. See the College Catalog for further information.
Q: Is the Culinary Arts Technology program recognized nationally?
A: The Culinary Arts Technology program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission. The ACF is the largest and most prestigious organization representing chefs in the country. Accreditation is a rigorous process that is intended to insure that the programs' faculty, facilities, equipment, and curriculum meet the quality standards set by industry leaders.
Q: What does it mean to be a certified chef?
A: Upon completion of the Culinary Arts Technology program, students are eligible to certify through the ACF at the "certified pastry culinarian" level. This is the first level of certification and represents a professional who is responsible for producing baked goods and who possesses fundamental knowledge of food safety, sanitation, nutrition, and supervision. Students must be members of the Junior ACF at the time of their graduation to be eligible. For more information, students may see their adviser or the ACF Web site.
Q: What is an internship and where do students complete their internships?
A: Internships are practical work experiences where students apply their culinary skills in restaurants, clubs, and institutional kitchens. In most cases, internships are paid experiences. Internship sites include:
- The Penn Stater
- Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel
- Williamsport Country Club
- Opryland Hotel
- Hotel Hershey
- Roy's Restaurants
Q: Why should I get an associate's degree?
A: The restaurant and foodservice industry is very competitive and customer expectations are very high. Every day, chefs, managers, and supervisors use communication, math, and critical thinking skills to do their jobs successfully. Given the complex and ever-changing society in which we live, students with an associate's degree have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands of today’s customers and guests. With an associate's degree, students can begin as an entry-level supervisor and then progress within most organizations.
Q: What tools are required for the Culinary Arts Technology program?
A: Professionalism is stressed throughout the program; therefore, students are required to wear the School of Hospitality's chef uniform and to use proper knives and tools. Culinary Arts Technology students must have a knife kit, a baking kit and chef whites. [Tool List (PDF)]
Q: How much hands-on experience will I get in the Culinary Arts Technology program?
A: Students in the Culinary Arts Technology program gain a great deal of practical experience. On the average, students spend 18 hours per week in the culinary labs each semester. During the summer internship, students complete a minimum of 240 hours of practical experience.
Q: What is the program's job placement rate?
A: From 2001 to 2004, the program has averaged a 98% placement rate.
Q: If I complete the Culinary Arts Technology program, can I transfer into the Culinary Arts & Systems bachelor’s degree program?
A: Yes, students who have completed the program can re-enroll in the Culinary Arts and Systems (BS) program. Students may also choose to continue their studies in Technology Management (BTM) at Penn College.
Q: Are S.A.T. scores required for admission into the Culinary Arts Technology program?
A: No, while S.A.T. scores may be helpful for scholarships and other purposes, they are not required for admission into the Culinary Arts Technology program.
Q: What types of jobs do Culinary Arts Technology graduates get?
A: In recent years, graduates from the Culinary Arts Technology program have reported that they have held the following job titles:
- Assistant manager
- Chef
- Cook
- Executive chef
- Guest service supervisor
- Head chef
- Line cook
- Line chef
- Sous chef
Q: Are scholarships available to Penn College students and how do you apply for them?
A: Yes, there are a number of scholarships available to Penn College students and many of them are specifically for students in the School of Hospitality. Students must meet academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Directions on how to apply for Penn College scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office's Web page. Scholarships that are specifically available to School of Hospitality students include:
- Hector Boiardi Scholarship
- Burger King Scholarship
- George and Andonetta Girio Family Scholarship
- Labels by Pulizzi Scholarship
- Louis A. Miele Sr. Memorial Scholarship
- Ann Miglio Scholarship
- Penn College Visiting Chef Series Scholarship
- David B. Person Scholarship
- D. L. Stroehmann Culinary Scholarship