What You Will Learn
If you are passionate about food, enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking for friends and family, have a need to feed the hungry or want to launch a career in this creative arena, consider studying Culinary Arts and Science at CCM.
The mission of this associate degree program has taken on new meaning in recent years. CCM has always trained individuals to be successful and energetic leaders in an ever-changing and dynamic industry that has become central to the social purpose of a modern community. According to the National Restaurant Association, there are over 350,000 food service and restaurant jobs in the state, and that number is expected to rise by 6.9% by 2029. The American Bakers Association provides nearly 800,000 jobs, generates over $42 billion in wages and drives more than $186 billion in economic activity in the U.S.
Recognized as a Top 20 Best Culinary School on the East Coast and a Top 10 Best Culinary School in New Jersey, we invite you to consider enrolling in our renowned program. The college anticipates the forthcoming 11,325-square-feet Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science, set to fully open in Spring 2026, to serve as the home to CCM’s Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ). With a stunning new baking kitchen now being utilized, you have access to gain hands-on skills from advanced pastry techniques, breadmaking and chocolate work to business planning, marketing and sustainable practices.
“Enrolling in this program is more than just education—it’s a calling. It’s a chance to learn the profound power of nourishing others, to turn your passion for food into purpose, and to embrace the urgency and heart required to truly make a difference in this industry.” Professor Mark Cosgrove- Department Chair
Curriculum
CCM is proud to offer an associate degree program that gives you the opportunity to cook professionally in cutting-edge kitchens and move directly into the industry through internships and academic courses such as Food as Art and Food Truck Entrepreneur.
The 40-credit core curriculum is based on a solid foundation of French classical and modern American cuisine but also gives you the opportunity to develop your own culinary interest.
- An Introduction To Food
- Food Management
- Food Production
- Food Science And Nutrition
- Introduction To Baking
- Introduction To Hospitality Industry
- International Cuisines
- Human Resources
- Food and Beverage Purchasing and Cost Controls
- Food As Art
- Food Truck Entrepreneurs
Other courses can lead to special interests such as pastries, baking, food styling, food science,
catering, and even an intensive 45–100-hour internship to provide additional hands-on experience and round out your curriculum at CCM.
Careers Opportunities
An associate degree in culinary arts and science is a perfect starting point for the following career pathways:
- Catering Services
- Culinary Operations
- Food Science
- Food Styling
- Kitchen Management
- Pastry Making
- Professional Baking
- Professional Cooking
Upon completion of the associate degree from CCM, you may transfer to a four-year institution to further your education and achieve an advanced degree in culinary arts, hospitality management or other studies. CCM Transfer Services is here to help you with this process.
Why Study Culinary Arts and Science at CCM?
WE BUILD CHEFS! The Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ) is proud to offer this degree program that provides students the opportunity to cook professionally in production kitchens and move directly into the industry through internships and academic courses such as Food as Art and Food Truck Entrepreneur!
The entire Culinary industry is dependent on skills and innovative individuals that can take a simple product and make it into a work of art. If your aspirations are to cook professionally, own your own restaurant or Food Truck, create new and exciting foods through science, or to become a great chef, our program is your first step into this culinary world!
The curriculum is based on a solid foundation of French classical cuisine and modern American cuisine but also provides students with the opportunity to build their own career interests as they learn how to prepare and serve food that looks amazing and tastes even better! The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ManageFirst Program provides the core of management learning and includes the opportunity for up to ten nationally recognized certifications.
In addition, further studies can lead to special interests such as pastries, baking, food styling, food science, catering, and even an intensive internship.
The intensive internship can begin as early as your first semester with selected employers and chefs willing to educate dedicated individuals for a future in culinary arts. The college course experience (9 credits total) covers 1, 2, and 3 credit electives that can lead to a full year of work experience in a position and organization that will take the student to the next level in their career aspirations. Transfer opportunities are available for students who wish to complete a more advanced degree in Culinary Arts or other related studies.
Where You Can Go
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are designed primarily for students entering the workforce after graduation. However, many A.A.S. students do choose to continue their education at a four-year institution. If you’re considering transfer, it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to connect with your academic advisor and visit NJ Transfer.
- CCM Culinary Arts & Sciences students frequently transfer to the following colleges and universities to pursue an advanced degree.Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ
- Montclair State University, NJ
- Johnson & Wales University, RI
Students may pursue the following scholarships to aid in affordability:
“Enrolling in this program is more than just education—it’s a calling. It’s a chance to learn the profound power of nourishing others, to turn your passion for food into purpose, and to embrace the urgency and heart required to truly make a difference in this industry.” ~ Professor Mark Cosgrove- Department Chair
Paying for Your Culinary Art and Sciences Education
Earning an associate degree in culinary arts and science is a powerful investment that is a springboard to both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! The following scholarships are available:
- ABG (Alpha Beta Gamma) Business Honor Society Scholarship
- FDU Scholarship
- John and Mary Linda Scholarship
- Michael Marino, Sr. Scholarship
- NJSCPA Hospitality Scholarship
- NRAEF ManageFirst Program Scholarship
Our Financial Aid staff can also provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your CCM education.
Featured Courses
International Cuisines
The study of the world of food and the cuisines of different cultures is one of the growing trends in the United States. Our modern culture brings together a multitude of different possibilities in the kitchen and is a fascinating and wide-ranging study of both practice and theory. This class will prepare menu items from around the world to delight the mind and expand the individuals cooking experience in a production kitchen.
Food as Art
This course introduces students to the art of food styling, food photography, garde manger and cake decoration. Topics covered include how to prepare, arrange, preserve food photo shoot, techniques on how to prepare pies, terrines and fresh cheese. This course covers the art and science of cake preparation, assembly and decoration. Students have the opportunity to create a portfolio of work.
Food Truck Entrepreneur
Food trucks have become a popular and important part of the hospitality industry. This course introduces the fundamentals of owning and operating a food trailer or truck. The relatively low cost of entry combined with free and low-cost ways to market via social media are just two of the reasons that budding entrepreneurs are joining this exciting field. The basics of food vending, business plans, menu planning, production design, location selection, federal/state/local regulations, licenses and permits will all be covered in the coursework. Students will develop the necessary skills to succeed in this exciting and growing industry while experiencing practical experience in customer service and food trailer operations.
Culinary Arts Share Time (CAST) for High School Students
A share time program designed to fulfill the needs of a student interested in Culinary Arts and Hospitality training and education is run by a partnership between Morris County Vocational School District and CCM. Application is made in the sophomore year and high school juniors and seniors, from Morris County, have the opportunity to take career-focused, college-level courses that offer three possible pathways after graduation for career advancement.
- Direct entry into workforce with certifications and credit
- One-year completion of an associate degree at CCM
- Transfer with advanced standing to a four-year college or university
Culinary Opportunity Program (COP)
The program covers fundamental skills in culinary and baking and is intended for students who have the physical and intellectual capacity, as well as the desire, to become a member of the workforce. This 72-hour job preparation program incorporates culinary and baking, Serv-Safe certification, resume preparation and the opportunity to meet potential employers.
