Fundamental Cook

Chef hands plate of pasta from kitchen to server.

The Fundamental Cook certificate will prepare you for a career as a cook in the culinary industry. Learn to prepare food, use and maintain professional food service equipment, and work as a team. Earn your certificate in less than a year and make your mark in this competitive, fun, and creative field.

Technical Certificate

Courses provide the fundamental skills in food preparation, cooking, and baking required for a successful career. All courses can be applied toward the Culinary Arts A.A.S. degree or technical certificate.

Length

1 semester

COSTS

About $2,401 total in tuition and fees.

In addition to tuition and fees, you will be responsible for purchasing your own tools (such as knives) and appropriate chef’s clothing for the food production kitchen. Other expenses may also be incurred, including ingredients needed to prepare recipes for projects or homework assigned outside of class.

More About Costs

COURSE LIST

Catalog

Advising Sheet

After Nashville State

You will be prepared for a career in a wide variety of food preparation facilities such as restaurants, hotels, and bakeshops. Find a job as a line cook, pastry cook, prep cook, or catering cook. Ask Career Services for help as you begin your search.

More About Careers

Campus Availability: The majority of Culinary Arts courses are only offered on our Southeast campus, however some may be available online. To check current course offerings check class schedule.

Ready to apply?

How to Apply

Career Outlook

An ACFCHEF Accredited Program

The Culinary Arts A.A.S. degree program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation. This nationally and locally recognized foundation knows that the Nashville State Culinary Arts program prepares our students for success.

Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation

Our Culinary Partners

We are proud to partner with local and national companies. Consider these companies as potential employers and businesses that believe in a Nashville State culinary degree.

Credit for What You Know

You may be eligible to earn college credit based on the experience you already have. This experience could come from your job, the military, and more.

CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE