Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Culinary Arts
Degree Overview
With the accelerated degree options at Stratford University, you can complete your Associates in 60 weeks!
The mission of the AAS Degree in Advanced Culinary Arts is to give students the culinary skills required for entry into the food service industry with the additional liberal arts education needed for management positions in the food service industry. The program focuses on culinary skills, theory and communication and problem solving skills. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) accredits Stratford's culinary programs.
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction or a combination of both online and classroom instruction. Students will be required to complete 4-6 hours in the fifth quarter of the program of voluntary community service activities as a prerequisite for completion of their program of study.
| Credits Required | Number of Classes | |
| Core Component | 58.5 | 13 |
| Electives | 9 | 2 |
| Arts and Sciences | 22.5 | 5 |
| Total Required for Graduation | 90 | 20 |
Core Courses
Elective Pool
Arts and Sciences
Culinary Theory and Sanitation - CUL111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on basic food service sanitation practices and discussion of selected culinary topics. The selected topics will include: culinary professionalism, kitchen staples, basic kitchen tools and equipment, dairy products, and culinary weights and measures. Students will prepare for a nationally administrated sanitation examination. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
Kitchen Fundamentals - CUL121
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL111
This course will consist of practical training in the kitchen as well as classroom discussion of cooking techniques and meat, fish, and poultry. In full uniform, students will learn knife skills and basic food preparation techniques as well as practical sanitation skills. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
Introduction to Cooking Techniques - CUL140
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL110, CUL120
This course examines the basic aspects of fruit and vegetable preparation including salads, cold sauces, and dressing. The fundamental aspects of breakfast cookery are also introduced.
Garde Manger - CUL142
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL140
Sauces, Soups & Stocks - CUL150
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL110, CUL120
This course introduces production methods for sauces and stock production. It includes basic stocks and soups, reduction and clarification of stocks and the five leading and small sauces. Also included are the three main categories of soups and their production and the basics of meat fabrications.
Elements of Entree Production - CUL152
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL150
This course examines the various aspects of a la carte and production cooking skills with a focus on the principal cooking methods. Students will also expand the skills acquired in CUL150.
Fundamentals of Baking - CUL160
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL110, CUL120
This course examines the preparation and production methods for baking. It includes bake shop layout, work flow, and equipment; theory and production of yeast breads; theory and production of quick breads; theory and production of cakes and cookies; production of fruit, pudding and custard pies; production of puff pastry and pate choux items.
Pastry Arts - CUL162
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL160
This class focuses on techniques and fundamentals of classical and contemporary plated desserts, cake decorating, sorbets and mousses.
Advanced Culinary Theory - CUL170
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL111 OR Test out of CUL170 OR Permission from Dean OR Student has prior collegiate math experience
This course will introduce students to basic, practical application of culinary mathematics. Each student will be required to use a calculator. Areas of study will include calculation of food cost, recipe yields, recipe costing, purchasing amounts, and other topics relevant to food service mathematics.
Nutrition and Menu Planning - CUL210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course will examine the basic elements of nutrition and the responsibilities of restaurants to provide nutritious cuisine to their clients. Assignments will include readings from textbooks, written exams and projects in which students will create a variety of menus, each focusing on a different style of menu. In addition to nutrition concerns, students will discuss the basic elements of menu creation in general.
Dining Room Service - CUL215
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL142, CUL152, CUL162
This course develops the skills of the future dining room server and creates a common language between the dining room and the kitchen for future chefs. Through theoretical and practical application of table service, students will gain an appreciation of the elements of the front of the house.
Culinary Skills Externship I - CUL271
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL111
This course provides the student with on the job experience. Students will work at approved sites in the preparation of food. Students also document their work hours and submit reports evaluating their experience.
Hospitality Supervision - HOS270
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HOS220 or BUS112
This course is designed to explain the principles of supervision as they apply specifically to the hospitality industry to help supervisors deal with demands handed down from higher management levels, guests, and government agencies; as well as, demands from employees they supervise. It is also designed to meet the immediate, as well as, long-term goals of hospitality supervisors.
Introduction to Business - BUS100
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides a background on business and management. Students will discuss human relations, organizational structure, communications, technology in business, and strategic planning.
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Principles of Accounting I - BUS112
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basics of accounting procedures. Topics include, accounting techniques and cycles, billings, balance sheets, and financial statements.
Principles of Management - BUS135
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents management theory and the functions of planning, organizing, directing, staffing and controlling. This course also focuses on the application of management principles to realistic work-related situations.
Purchasing and Receiving - CUL240
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL110, CUL114 or CUL120
This course examines the basic aspects of procurement within the foodservice industry. Topics include ordering, menu forecasting, and delivery schedules. The course also introduces receiving, proper storage and handling techniques, and inspections of deliveries and invoices. Students will learn basics of electronic purchasing, inventory controls, FIFO, security, legal and ethical aspects of procurement and resources available in the industry.
Catering - CUL241
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the skills needed to manage both on-premise and off-premise catering operations. Subject matter includes marketing and sales, recipe costing, menu development, kitchen and dining room layouts, staff requirements and cooking and serving skills particular to catered events.
Bounty of the Sea - CUL251
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course exposes students to many types of seafood and gives them an understanding of the cleaning, safe handling, cooking methods, sauces, and accompaniments that lend themselves to seafood. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
Chiles in the Global Kitchen - CUL252
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course examines the use of chiles in cuisines around the world. Students prepare dishes demonstrating the range of flavors and heat levels possible through the use of chiles. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
American Regional Cuisine - CUL253
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course introduces the production of American regional cuisines through a focus on various ingredients, cooking methods, food textures, flavor combinations, and plate presentations. Students also learn the impact of immigration patterns and indigenous products on the development of each cuisine. Food Usage
and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
International Cuisine - CUL254
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course exposes students to the preparation of international dishes made in the traditional manner. Cuisines from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas will be covered. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
Italian Cuisine - CUL255
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the many regions of Italy and their unique and distinct styles of cooking. Students will learn the names of the regions and the specific products of each region. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
Indian Cuisine - CUL256
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course is designed to introduce students to the taste, preparation methods and techniques that are used in various regional Indian cuisines. This course will help students to understand common culinary practices and the relationship between the resources and cuisines of different regions of India. Food Usage
and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
French Cuisine - CUL257
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL152 or BAK144
This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the many regions of France and their unique anddistinct styles of cooking. Students will learn the names of the regions and the specific products of each region. Food Usage and Supplemental Instructional Fee applies.
Food Science - CUL270
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL110, CUL120 or CUL114
This course is designed to introduce students to scientific principles related to food preparation.
Culinary Skills Externship II - CUL272
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL111
This course provides the student with on the job experience. Students will work at approved sites in the preparation of food Students also document their work hours and submit reports evaluating their experience.
Culinary Skills Externship III - CUL273
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CUL111
This course provides the student with on the job experience. Students will work at approved sites in the preparation of food. Students also document their work hours and submit reports evaluating their experience.
Current Topics in Culinary Arts I - CUL291
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permisson of Dean
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics in the Culinary Arts field. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Culinary Arts II - CUL292
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permisson of Dean
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics in the Culinary Arts field. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Culinary Arts III - CUL293
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permisson of Dean
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics in the Culinary Arts field. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Culinary Arts IV - CUL294
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permisson of Dean
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics in the Culinary Arts field. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Hotel and Event Management I - HOS291
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from the Program Director
This course offer comprehensive discussion of current topics in the Hotel and Event Management field. The exact topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Hotel and Event Management II - HOS292
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from the Program Director
This course offer comprehensive discussion of current topics in the Hotel and Event Management field. The exact topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Hotel and Event Management III - HOS293
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from the Program Director
This course offer comprehensive discussion of current topics in the Hotel and Event Management field. The exact topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Hotel and Event Management IV - HOS294
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from the Program Director
This course offer comprehensive discussion of current topics in the Hotel and Event Management field. The exact topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
College Composition - ENG111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on reviewing grammar, sentence structure, punctuation skills, and style points required for effective written communication. Students use a standard handbook and apply proofreading skills to all types of written communications. The student is guided in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing.
Current Topics in English - ENG290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in English including, but not limited to, introductory topics in understanding and creating various genres of English communication such as narrative prose, technical communication, poetry, and cinematic forms.
Oral Communications - ENG310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles and functions of spoken communications. The student learns how to prepare to deliver various types of oral presentations. Emphasis is on planning and on how to orient content to a particular audience. Students present short talks and plan and present longer, more formal speeches on assigned topics and/or on topics of choice.
Advanced Composition and Research - ENG320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent
This course emphasizes advanced writing and research including understanding the documentation process, presenting material in academic form, and academic research techniques. Materials may Include MLA and APA styles effective use of internet research tools, critical reading processes, and research writing techniques.
Special Topics in English - ENG490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in English. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics such as English philology and etymology, as well as advanced topics in rhetoric and critical interpretation of texts.
Principles of Ethics - HUM110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the application of ethics to personal and professional life. Positive and negative sides of behavior and how this affects self-image and self-respect will be discussed.
Spanish I - HUM210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses vocabulary and structure through a series of activities designed for realistic communication which allow students to achieve both written and spoken Spanish language skills. Through reading, dialogue, and associated study, students develop an understanding of the language and cultural distinctions of Spanish speakers worldwide.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in philosophy, religion, culture, and/or language arts.
World Literature - HUM320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of world literature. Materials covered Include Western and non-Western literary endeavors. Focus will be on similarities among the various literatures, analysis of literary genre, and appreciation of voice.
The American Experience - HUM330
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the development of American values and Institutions through analysis of social, political, and economic materials. The course examines the Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors as it explores Ideas of Individualism, success, and national character. Materials may include historical documents, literature, and social, political, and artistic works.
Understanding World Cultures - HUM410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course discusses civilizations and cultures as they evolved from Eastern, Western, African and South American influences. The student is enabled to relate diverse cultures to their impact on contemporary society, politics, and world events.
Spanish II - HUM420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HUM310
This course reviews the fundamentals of the Spanish language and provides special attention to the continuing development of students' conversational and reading skills. Students build upon their understanding of the language in both written and oral forms.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities II - HUM491
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities III - HUM492
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Fundamentals of Mathematics - MAT110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the basic techniques of mathematics and applies them to problem solving in different areas of business and industry. This course does not count towards the Bachelor's program.
College Algebra - MAT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course explores a series of algebraic concepts including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications.
Current Topics in Mathematics - MAT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on current issues in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, set theory, algebraic concepts, geometry, and probability.
Statistics - MAT310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents material essential in an increasing number of professional fields by providing a new type of competence, quantitative literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics; collecting and interpreting data; inferential statistics; probability; consumer mathematics; management mathematics; and growth and scaling.
Calculus - MAT410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MAT210 or equivalent
This course focuses on techniques of differential and integral calculus likely encountered in professional activities and real-world situations. Students will gain a sound, intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus through a problem-solving approach. Topics include functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions; integration; and variables.
Special Topics in Mathematics - MAT490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor
This course concentrates on special topics in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, mathematical history and philosophy, Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometries, linear algebra, polar coordinates, vectors, partial derivatives, line integrals, and multiple integrals, as well as applications for these topics.
Social Psychology - PSY110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an application of the Psychological principles to the development of a stable social framework within business and personal environments.
Current Topics in Psychology - PSY290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, psychological assessment, mental health, psychology of personality, and creativity.
Organizational Behavior - PSY310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites:
Human Growth & Development - PSY320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human organism. Materials include those related to the various stages of the life span, and the developmental Influence of social class, the family, the school, and the group. A focus is placed on the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans to change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning - PSY340
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to help students develop thinking skills and make good judgments. Participants are exposed to both logical and illogical thinking processes as a means to develop their skills in reasoning, analysis and the use of logical arguments. Various kinds of arguments are presented and analyzed, and logical fallacies are explored with the goal of reaching sound conclusions. Deductive and inductive reasoning are examined as are the criteria for sound reasoning and common reasoning mistakes people make. Students debate issues from different sides with both logical and illogical arguments.
Special Topics in Psychology - PSY490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: PSY110 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in deviant behavior, psychological testing and assessment, religious behavior, neurophysiology, and psychology and the law.
General Science - SCI110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines scientific concepts and principles in an integrated manner to provide an overview of the sciences. Topics include physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and biology as a means to address areas such as growing global population, limited resources and the fragile environment.
Microbiology - SCI250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines the structure, nutrition, growth, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Attention will be given to methods of microbial control, and the human immune response to microbes. Students will also learn the fundamentals of microscopy, laboratory safety, scientific method and techniques of experimentation. Laboratory component required
Current Topics in Science - SCI290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in meteorology, geology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and the space sciences.
Introduction to Biochemistry - SCI360
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: SCI110
This course examines the basic structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and proteins and their role in human metabolism. Vitamins, co-enzymes, and minerals are examined and pathways for xenobiotic metabolism are discussed.
Impact of Science and Technology - SCI410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of science and future thinking. The content demonstrates how scientific and technological advances have significantly impacted all aspects of contemporary life.
Special Topics in Science - SCI490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in interdisciplinary topics such as the history of science and technology, cross-cultural studies of science, cosmology, biotechnology, the use of science and technology to enhance human abilities and quality of life, and techniques for assessment and remediation of science and technology hazards.












