New River Community and Technical College provides top-notch cooking education to help aspiring chefs fulfill their culinary dreams. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts degree, which helps prepare students for entry-level positions in the food service industry. The curriculum focuses on food preparation techniques and safety, nutrition, menu planning, quantity food production, restaurant management, advancement of techniques, and career development. Students gain knowledge and skills with hands-on experience through lab classes and offsite internships with local restaurants. Through community partnerships, students also participate in food-related events such as cooking competitions and fundraising dinners.
The AAS program requires 66 credits, which include coursework in baking and pastry, American regional cuisine, advanced culinary principles, global cuisine, culinary marketing, and commercial food production. In addition to the AAS degree, the college's Vocational Certificate in Culinary Arts program is designed to prepare individuals for entry in the food service industry. This 18-credit certificate focuses on food safety and sanitation, cooking skills, and preparing international and regional dishes. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on practice in the college's kitchens and supervised externships.
At New River Community and Technical College, students learn from experienced chefs and get exposed to a variety of cuisines. Additionally, the school organizes field trips to fine-dining restaurants, wineries, and farms to provide real-world experience. Nearby entrepreneurial centers offer seminars designed for small business owners and prospective restaurant owners. With its comprehensive curricula, extensive resources, and excellent faculty, New River Community and Technical College is one of the top cooking schools in the area.