Ozarka College offers culinary arts training at its Melbourne campus. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, campus food-service experience, and an internship. Baking students complete both introductory and advanced baking courses.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Ozarka College |
| Location | Melbourne, Arkansas |
| Credentials | 60-credit Culinary Arts AAS; 30-credit technical certificate; 12-credit Baking and Pastry certificate listed pending state approval |
| Format | Campus-based classroom, laboratory, café, and field experience |
| Published in-state total | $143 per credit |
| Estimated in-state tuition and mandatory fees | About $8,580 AAS; $4,290 technical certificate; $1,716 baking certificate |
| Additional costs | Books, uniforms, knife kit, lab fees, and supplies |
Culinary Arts Program Options
Ozarka publishes current program pages for the Culinary Arts AAS and its technical certificate. The shorter credential is embedded within the associate degree curriculum.
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
The 60-credit AAS includes 16 general education credits and 44 technical credits. Students complete four semesters of study, two café practicums, a two-credit internship, Introduction to Baking, and Advanced Baking.
Technical Certificate in Culinary Arts
The 30-credit technical certificate includes six general education credits and 24 technical credits. The curriculum covers sanitation, catering, food production, nutrition, hospitality, and two baking courses. Students enroll through the AAS Culinary Arts plan and can earn the certificate during the first part of the degree.
Baking and Pastry Certificate of Proficiency
Ozarka’s 2024–2025 catalog lists a 12-credit Baking and Pastry certificate with Sanitation and Safety, Introduction to Hospitality, Introduction to Baking, and Advanced Baking. The same catalog marks this certificate as pending approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. Applicants should confirm current availability before enrolling.
Baking and Culinary Curriculum
- Introduction to Baking
- Advanced Baking
- Sanitation and Safety
- Basic Food Science and Nutrition
- Catering and Banquet Service
- Hospitality Purchasing
- International and Modern Cuisine
- Café Practicum I and II
- Culinary Arts Internship
Practical Experience and Certification
AAS students work for two semesters in the Culinary Café or another approved commercial food-service setting. They also complete an internship at a community business and assist with campus culinary activities. The catalog states that successful AAS graduates earn Certified Culinarian status through the American Culinary Federation.
Tuition and Additional Costs
Ozarka publishes a $100 tuition charge and a $143 total in-state charge per credit. The out-of-state total is $243 per credit. The table below applies the current in-state total to each credit requirement.
| Credential | Credits | Estimated in-state total |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts AAS | 60 | About $8,580 |
| Culinary Arts Technical Certificate | 30 | About $4,290 |
| Baking and Pastry Certificate of Proficiency | 12 | About $1,716 |
These estimates exclude books, uniforms, knife kits, lab fees, and other course supplies. Ozarka’s catalog has estimated about $1,000 for the AAS uniform, knife kit, and books, but students should request a current program-specific cost list.
Admissions
Students apply to Ozarka College, submit admission materials, enroll in the AAS Culinary Arts plan, and meet with a program adviser. Admission and course registration remain subject to available space. Culinary students attend the Melbourne campus and participate in required practical activities.
Career Preparation
The program prepares students for food production, baking, catering, dining-room service, purchasing, and kitchen operations. Graduates may pursue work in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, catering operations, and institutional food service.
Which Ozarka Pathway May Fit You?
- Choose the AAS if you want the full four-semester program, café experience, an internship, and American Culinary Federation certification.
- Choose the technical certificate if you want the first 30 credits of the AAS and a shorter exit credential.
- Ask about the Baking and Pastry certificate if you want a focused 12-credit option, since current availability requires confirmation.
Questions to Ask Before Applying
- Is the 12-credit Baking and Pastry certificate fully approved and accepting students?
- Which courses carry laboratory or supply fees?
- What products are covered in Introduction to Baking and Advanced Baking?
- How are Culinary Café assignments and internships scheduled?
- Can technical certificate students continue directly into the AAS?