Culinary Assistant

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/culinary-assistant/

Program Number: 31-316-1
Technical Diploma (1 year)
Campus: Fond du Lac
This program is eligible for financial aid

Join an in-demand job field and earn a credential in less than a year with Moraine Park’s Culinary Assistant technical diploma.

About the Program

The Culinary Assistant diploma at MPTC sets students up to be successful in any food preparation environment.

What You'll Learn

Students in the Culinary Assistant courses gain hands-on culinary skills in a professional lab, with instructors who work in the culinary field. Graduates are trained in a broad range of cooking techniques and preparation methods, incorporating safety and sanitation guidelines while using wholesome ingredients to create nutritious meals.

Culinary Assistant diploma credits transfer directly into Moraine Park’s Culinary Arts associate degree.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

Students must purchase a uniform, baking kit, and knife set for this program.

 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
316-102 Culinary Principles 3
316-103 Science of Baking 2
316-106 Entree 1 4
316-108 Meat Analysis 1 1
316-111 Soups and Sauces 2
316-148 Sanitation and Safety 1
890-101 College 101 2
Mathematics Course 3
 Credits19
Semester 2
316-107 Entree 2 4
316-109 Meat Analysis 2 1
316-110 Breakfast Cookery 2
316-113 Trending Foods 2
316-160 Restaurant Baking 2
316-169 Cakes, Tortes and Desserts 2
801-136 English Composition 1 3
 Credits16
 Total Credits35

Program Outcomes

  • Apply principles of safety and sanitation in food service operations.
  • Demonstrate basic culinary skills.
  • Assist in food service management.
  • Design menus.
  • Explore food service financial information.

Pathways 

Earn a certificate, technical diploma and associate degree along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Institutional Cook
  • Restaurant Host/Hostess
  • Cook, School Cafeteria
  • Cook Apprentice (Hotel/Restaurant)
  • Assistant Cook
  • Baker/Deli Assistant
  • Dietary Aide

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$31,197