Culinary Arts Certificate
Become a Foodservice Professional with a Culinary Arts Certificate from NECC
Why pursue a certificate in Culinary Arts?
Are you passionate about food? Would you like to work in the dynamic food services industry? If so, NECC’s Culinary Arts Certificate program will prepare you to embark on an exciting career journey as a foodservice professional, empowering you to pursue entry level or higher jobs at restaurants, hotels, resorts, institutions, and other dining establishments.
Successful Culinary Careers Start with NECC!
At NECC, our Culinary Arts Certificate program is located on two floors featuring classrooms, laboratories, and state-of-the-art instructional kitchens. The building is also home to the Bosa Coastal Italian restaurant, where students can receive hands-on training and guidance through supervised internships.
Once you’ve completed NECC’s program, you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce as a foodservice professional. You’ll also have the option of transferring to one of our partner colleges and continuing your degree in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or a related field.
Ready to discover where your creativity and enthusiasm can take you?
What you’ll get from our Culinary Arts program
Know the Kitchen. Advance Your Foodservice Career
Explore the evolving culinary arts landscape, where you’ll get to learn about commercial food preparation and presentation essentials. From discovering the workings of a professional kitchen to developing advanced skills, such as artisanal breads and classic world cuisine, NECC’s program will prepare you for a gratifying career in the food services industry—proving that following your culinary dreams can lead to something truly remarkable!
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with others in the local food services community.
Gear Up for a Great Career as a Culinary Artist
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great line cook, prep cook, kitchen manager, or something else, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
- Earn the 29-credit certificate full or part-time
- Diversify your skill set through courses that include: Applied Culinary Techniques; Advanced Baking – Artisanal Breads, Pastry, and Patisserie; and Advanced Culinary – Classic World Cuisine and Garde Manger.
- Gain practical commercial kitchen experience through a required program internship
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.
Once you’ve completed our Culinary Arts Certificate program, you’ll have the option of applying those credits towards a Culinary Arts associate degree at NECC.
Where this culinary journey can take you
Many entry-level jobs in the food service industry offer much potential for growth. In some ways, starting out with a certificate is an advantage—you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a degree.
If you’re already employed in the foodservice industry, our certificate program will help you gain advanced skills and insight into the workings of a commercial kitchen, making you more desirable to employers!
Imagine yourself serving in one of these culinary roles:
- Optimizing kitchen workflow efficiency as a Prep Cook
- Laying the groundwork for winning dishes as a Line Cook
- Educating potential diners as a Food Critic
- Streamlining kitchen operations as a Food Services Manager
- Managing kitchen staff and planning menus as a Sous Chef
- Helping staff create culinary masterpieces as a Kitchen Manager
Why choose NECC for your Culinary Arts certificate?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Culinary Arts Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe the Culinary Arts.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
Career Services
NECC Connect
What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career outlook for Culinary Arts Professionals north of Boston
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for chefs and head cooks are projected to increase more than 8% within the next nine years. New job openings for food services managers are projected to increase 2% during that same period.
At NECC, our Culinary Arts Certificate program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as cooks, chefs, kitchen managers, and food services managers. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How much can I expect to make while working in the foodservice industry?
The earning potential for culinary professionals varies based on several factors, including education, certifications, experience, setting, and advanced skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Food Services Manager in Massachusetts was $101,597 as of September 2024.
With a Culinary Arts Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:
Prep Cook
Responsible for a station’s workflow, line cooks prepare food and ensure that servers deliver each dish to customers in a timely manner. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $37,048 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $34,208 and $41,994. ¹
Line Cook
Prepares ingredients for dishes served at a dining establishment and helps keep the kitchen clean and organized. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $39,339 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $35,927 and $44,302.¹
Food Critic
Evaluate and promote dining establishments through writing, photography, editing, production, and social media. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $77,373 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $70,287 and $84,387.¹
Food Services Manager
Responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $101,597 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $87,741 and $117,071.¹
Sous Chef
As a kitchen’s second-in-command, responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff, managing the kitchen when the head chef is absent, and helping to plan and execute menus. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $56,387 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $48,636 and $66,363.¹
Kitchen Manager
Oversees a restaurant’s day-to-day kitchen operations, including food preparation, safety, staff training, and customer service. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $67,161 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $58,222 and $77,310.¹
How to get started as a Culinary professional near the Merrimack Valley
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Culinary Arts Certificate program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.