About the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute

Accreditation: The Hotel/Restaurant Management Culinary Arts Concentration Associate of Applied Science degree and the Hotel/Restaurant Management Baking and Pastry Arts Concentration Associate of Applied Science degree is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).  The Hotel/Restaurant Management Business Management Concentration Associate of Applied Science degree is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

Purpose: Prepares students for entry-level supervisory positions in the hospitality industry or for specialized industry management training programs. An internship course and a range of hotel and restaurant operation management courses provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and specialty experience in restaurants, hotels, health care facilities or meeting and conference planning.

Uniform:  Students are required to wear an approved chef uniform for production classes. See course description for specifics.

Areas of Concentration: This degree requires that students choose a concentration in one of three areas. A concentration is a structured plan of study within a degree program. The number of credit hours and particular course requirements for a concentration may vary, as listed below.  To achieve a concentration, students must receive credit for every course requirement listed under that concentration.

Three Areas of Concentration

1. Hotel/Restaurant Management - Culinary Arts (AAS.HRM.CULINARY-A​): The Culinary Arts area of concentration prepares students for employment in the hospitality industry with essential skills and content in culinary operations. The student will learn to use that knowledge as it relates to operating a successful and profitable business. The Culinary Arts area of concentration requires 18 credit hours within the chosen concentration.

Range of Occupations

• Cook, Pastry Cook
• Manager-in-training
  • Catering and sales
  • Food and beverage
  • Food service manager in assisted living facility or nursing home
  • Bakery
  • Kitchen
  • Restaurant
  • Hotel

2. Hotel/Restaurant Management - Baking and Pastry Arts (AAS.HRM.BAK-PASTRY​): The Baking and Pastry Arts area of concentration prepares students for employment in the hospitality industry with essential skills and content in baking and pastry operations. The student will learn to use that knowledge as it relates to operating a successful and profitable business. The Baking and Pastry Arts area of concentration requires 18 credit hours within the chosen concentration.

Range of Occupations

• Pastry Cook
• Manager-in-training
  • Catering and sales
  • Food and beverage
  • Food service manager in assisted living facility or nursing home
  • Bakery
  • Kitchen
  • Restaurant
  • Hotel

3. Hotel/Restaurant Management - Hospitality Management (AAS.HRM.HOSPITALITY​): The Hospitality Management area of concentration prepares students for employment in the hospitality industry with essential skills and content in hospitality operations. This concentration will integrate major business segments of the hospitality industry. This area of concentration offers the student essential courses both in hotel and food and beverage operations management.  The Hospitality Management area of concentration requires 18 credit hours within the chosen concentration.

Range of Occupations

• Hotel/Restaurant Operations
• Manager-in-training
  • Catering and sales
  • Food and beverage
  • Food service manager in assisted living facility or nursing home
  • Restaurant
  • Hotel