Blending food science, food technology and culinary arts, culinology is an emerging discipline that prepares students for work in the research and development sector of the food industry. Throughout culinology and food science courses, students will learn about food product development, food research, food manufacturing, food processing inspection or favor development.
The Associate in Arts in Culinology and Food Science complements the Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry degrees that develop skills in restaurant and bakery operations by introducing topics related to developing new foods, nutrition, processing technology and government regulations.
Determine Your Path
Research chefs and test kitchens rely on culinology in creating safer, more consistent food products.
You want to attend a college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry and teaching experience.
- State-of-the-art instructional kitchens with individual stations including a a chocolate room and a culinary amphitheater.
- Flexible course schedules with day, evening and weekend classes.
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- An Articulated transfer program with several prestigious institutions.
- Accreditation from the Education Foundation of the American Culinary Federation, making COD one of the few schools in the nation to have accreditation for both food service administration and culinary arts
Culinology and Food Science, Associate in Applied Science
The Culinology and Food Science, Associate in Applied Science degree program requires a minimum of 65 credits in program requirements and general education requirements.
COD Stories
"COD offers a brilliant, affordable program that is the marvel of other schools for both its convenience and excellence.” - Lucy Benoit
Lucy's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The chefs who I have encountered at COD are, in a word, incredible. Each one has a unique and personal style." - Julie Catena
Julie's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in culinology is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
College of DuPage has several culinary arts transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Explore the Skills Kitchen
Watch a video that showcases the unique features of the Skills Kitchen through COD's video series that highlights unique campus locations.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Culinary Arts program.
Students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program pay the current tuition rate. Textbooks for classes cost approximately $75. If you are in a laboratory class, you will need to purchase tools and a uniform and pay a laboratory fee. Scholarships are available throughout the school year.
Students who are enrolled in any culinary, pastry or management laboratory classes will need to purchase uniforms as part of the class requirements.
- Culinary Students: knife kit, checked pants, embroidered chef coat, skull cap, bib apron, and two side towels
- Pastry Students: checked pants, embroidered chef coat, skull cap, bib apron, and two side towels
- Hospitality Students: black pants, white shirt with embroidered Waterleaf logo, black bistro apron
Uniforms and hand tools must be purchased through COD to ensure a consistent experience for students.
A few things to note:
- Uniforms and supplies are included in the lab fees for their respective class and will be ordered in class on the first day. Incoming students will receive an email outlining the procedure.
- While not included in the packages, appropriate shoes are required. Shoes should be sturdy, black, closed toed, and have a non-slip sole. Brands such as Sketchers work shoes and Shoes for Crews are acceptable options. No gym shoes are allowed.
If you have questions on uniforms, contact Associate Professor David Kramer at kramerd@cod.edu or (630) 942-2868 or Culinary Market and Lab Coordinator Laura Lerdal at lerdal@cod.edu or (630) 942-2359.
Culinary Classes
- Appropriate shoes are required. Shoes should be sturdy, black, closed toed, and have a non-slip sole. Brands such as Sketchers work shoes, Shoes for Crews, and Dansko clogs are all acceptable options. No gym shoes.
- College-issued black and white checked pants, hemmed, cleaned and pressed.
- College-issued white apron.
- College-issued white skull cap
- Two side towels.
- College-issued long sleeve chef coat with name and program insignia.
Restaurant Service and Sales Classes
- Appropriate shoes are required. Shoes should be sturdy, black, closed toed, and have a non-slip sole. Brands such as Sketchers work shoes, Shoes for Crews, and Dansko clogs are all acceptable options. No gym shoes.
- Cleaned, pressed, college-issued white dress shirts with embroidered Waterleaf logo.
- Cleaned, pressed black dress pants.
Culinary and hospitality classes are held in the Culinary and Hospitality Center located on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. The College is located about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago.
There is no on-campus housing at COD. Contact Student Life at (630) 942-2243 for further information on housing.
