Culinary Arts

Why Culinary Arts?

A career in culinary arts blends creativity, precision, and passion for great food. In this program, you will learn essential culinary techniques and modern cooking skills that prepare you to excel in restaurants, catering operations, and other food service settings. You will develop your creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail while building a foundation for advancement in a fast-growing industry.

At Mid-State, you will learn from experienced culinary professionals in a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining environment that mirrors a real restaurant. Through a mix of online coursework and in-person practice, you’ll gain confidence and credentials to succeed in any culinary career path.

Train in Mid-State’s modern culinary teaching kitchen and Gourmet Café learning lab.
Apply your skills through hands-on cooking, baking, and service experiences.
Earn industry-recognized credentials such as ServSafe^® Food Manager, ServSafe^® Alcohol, and Manage First Professional certifications.
Learn from instructors with real-world culinary and hospitality experience.
Join a supportive cohort of students who grow and learn together throughout the program.
Advance your career in a growing field with opportunities for creativity and leadership.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

63 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person

Location

Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$14,636.85

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Food and Beverage Director

Food Service Manager

Head Chef

Restaurant Manager

Sous Chef

$38k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $37,978. Source: Lightcast Data Set

3,919

Average Monthly Hires

3,919 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

67%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Ryan Petrouske, AAS
Chef Ryan graduated Phi Theta Kappa with his culinary arts associate degree from Nicolet College. He holds certifications in culinary assistant, hospitality and restaurant management, controlling foodservice, and baking. Ryan has spent most of his working life in the restaurant industry, having progressed up the ranks in both kitchens and dining rooms to ultimately owning and running a successful restaurant in northern Wisconsin. He has a continued passion for the industry, which he is excited to instill in his students. Prior to teaching full-time for Mid-State he also taught part-time at Nicolet College.

“Knowledge is much like working in the hospitality industry—it doesn’t do us any good to hold it just for ourselves. Sharing our experience and talent with others makes the world a better place. This is my reward for being an educator. I not only get to share my knowledge but also get pushed to grow and learn from my students and other industry professionals. I am always pleased to see where our graduates end up after their training!”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Apply principles of safety and sanitation in food service operations.
Apply principles of nutrition.
Demonstrate culinary skills.
Manage food service operations.
Plan menus.
Analyze food service financial information.
Relate food service operations to sustainability.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad