67 Credits AAS3409, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The Culinary Arts program is designed to meet the varied needs of food service establishments. Learners are provided with a background of hot and cold food preparation, food service management, and cost control. Demonstrations and practical experience provided in our operational dining room/cafeteria permit learners to develop the necessary food preparation skills for gainful employment.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 67 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $14,368
Tools and Equipment: $825
Total Estimated Cost: $15,193 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (18 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
CULN1100 Introduction to Foodservice (2 credits)
This course includes an introduction to the food service industry, culinary terms, use of weights and measures, and kitchen safety. The course also covers equipment and knife identification and use. (Prerequisites: None)
CULN1101 Sanitation & Food Safety (2 credits)
This course develops an understanding of the basic principles of sanitation and safety in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment in the food service industry for the consumer. Also covered is an understanding of the laws and regulations related to sanitation in food service operations. (Prerequisites: None)
CULN1102 Culinary Math (1 credits)
Students will learn standard units of measurements and unit conversions, recipe scaling, percentages, rounding, and yield tests as they relate to the food service industry. (Prerequisite: Next Generation Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher of MCA Math score of 1146 or higher or completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher)
CULN1103 Culinary Fundamentals 1 (4 credits)
Students will learn basic concepts and principles of cooking. Students will be introduced to mise en place. Students will identify herbs and spices and different cooking methods. They will demonstrate proper knife skills and basic vegetable cuts. Students will make basic stocks, mother sauces and soups. (Corequisites: CULN 1101 and CULN 1104)
CULN1104 Culinary Fundamentals 2 (4 credits)
Students will be introduced to all conventional and non-conventional cooking methods. They will convey knowledge and perform proper cooking of meats, poultry, fish, starches, and vegetables. They will expand their knowledge and skills in creation of sauces, from mother sauces to small sauces. In addition, they will create relishes, flavored oils, salsas, compotes, coulis, and purees. (Corequisite: CULN 1103)
CULN1105 Butchery (4 credits)
This course covers the identification and preparation techniques of various cuts and grades of meats, poultry, fish/shellfish, and game meats.This course will also teach the processing (butchering) and the storage of fresh meats and the operation and cleaning of meat processing equipment. (Corequisite: CULN 1101)
CULN1106 World Cuisine & Cultures (2 credits)
This course is designed to introduce students to world cuisines and their cultures. Students will prepare food from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and cuisines of the Americas. (Corequisite: CULN 1101)
CULN1200 Garde Manger 1 (3 credits)
Students will be introduced to Garde Manger: the art of cold foods. They will gain knowledge and demonstrate skills used for the creation of salads, dressings, and a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. (Prerequisite: CULN 1101) (Corequisite: CULN 1201)
CULN1201 Garde Manger 2 (3 credits)
Students will be introduced to the fine art of fruit and vegetable carvings, buffet presentations, appetizers, and hors d' oeuvres along with the art of charcuterie. (Corequisite: CULN 1200)
CULN1202 A la Carte Cooking & Production (4 credits)
Students will apply the foundation of cooking techniques and fundamentals in a la Carte and batch cooking. Students will work as a team as well as individually to demonstrate their skills. (Prerequisite: CULN 1104)
CULN1203 Baking 1 (2 credits)
This course covers the preparation and makeup of a variety of yeast raised doughs. Students use a variety of commercial equipment to produce breads, Danish, croissants, rolls and yeast raised coffee cakes. Students will be introduced to baking equipment, recipe conversions, and sanitation processes in a bakery. (Prerequisite: CULN 1101) (Corequisite: CULN 1204)
CULN1204 Baking 2 (4 credits)
This course covers baking terminology, function of ingredients and the preparation of finished products: quick breads, pies, cakes, cookies, dessert sauces, custards, puddings, classical desserts, and specialty cake decorating. (Corequisite: CULN 1203)
CULN1205 Hospitality Nutrition (2 credits)
This course covers the basic information to understand food trends, digestion and utilization processes, menu development for normal and special diets, and the preparation of nutritionally balanced meals. (Prerequisite: CULN 1100)
CULN1300 Culinary Management (4 credits)
Students will learn of various management topics including: leadership, training, motivation, delegation, hiring, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Students will learn information and skills necessary to analyze and improve profitability. Other topics covered are income statements, forecasting sales, labor and food costs. They will also learn about the cycle of food purchasing. (Prerequisite: CULN 1100)
CULN1301 Advanced Culinary (4 credits)
This is the capstone culinary class where students demonstrate their advanced culinary abilities by creating a menu, developing a budget, planning and management of a team, menu preparation, and serving. (Prerequisites: CULN 1201, 1204)
CULN1302 Sustainable Foods & Organic Cooking (1 credits)
Students will be introduced to sustainable farming and why it is important. They will also explore organic versus conventional farming and the nutritional differences. (Prerequisite: CULN 1100)
MKT1800 Introduction to Sales (3 credits)
This course serves as a foundation for future sales courses. The instructional approach combines both traditional and innovative presentations of course content that is dependent upon student involvement. The content covers the role of sales, steps of the selling process, the importance of communication skills and a positive attitude. In addition, special attention is devoted throughout the course on how the salesperson is viewed as an ambassador for the company that they represent. (Prerequisite: None)
MKT1830 Customer Service (3 credits)
This course covers the importance of customer service and how the student can achieve quality customer service. Total Quality Management is an essential part of customer service and how quality service is relayed to the consumer. This course explains how to develop a service attitude, dealing with various types of customers, handling customer complaints, decision making and using the team concept.
Required Arts and Sciences (1 Course)
To complete an AAS degree, students must complete 15 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC Goal Areas. Courses must be approved by advisor/faculty. Choose one COMM course from the following list:
COMM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3 credits)
This course is an introductory survey course of the communication discipline. It provides a sample of topics from interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, public speaking, small group communication, media, organizational communication, and interviewing. This course will offer students knowledge about communication and offer the opportunity to improve their skills. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
COMM120 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
This course helps students develop or improve their participation in small groups and teams using effective communication and critical thinking. Content of the course includes both knowledge and skills components. Students can develop an understanding of communication and group theory while applying their knowledge in small group discussions, cooperative projects, and other activities. The course curriculum emphasizes reflection and growth. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: Goals 1 and 2).
COMM130 Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
The focus of intercultural communication is to develop and improve the knowledge needed to understand culture, communication, how culture influences communication, and the process of communication between people from different cultures or co-cultures. The course also focuses on practicing the skills needed for effective intercultural interactions. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 7a - Human Diversity, Goal Area 8 - Global Perspectives)
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
Required Arts and Sciences Course (1 Course)
Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 9 (if COMM 110 is chosen, it will only be used in requirement 2 and will NOT fulfill this requirement).
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
ETHN110 The Immigrant Experience (3 credits)
This course is devoted to understanding controversial issues around immigration to the U.S. The United States is an immigrant country. No other land can challenge America's claim as the ultimate melting pot, although we can argue about whether or not we have really "melted together" to form a cohesive society. Immigrants play a significant role in enriching American culture and fueling economic growth. Yet at the same time, they are also regarded as an "unsettling force" and a burden on the taxpayers. As the numbers of legal as well as illegal, immigrants have climbed precipitously since the 1970s and 1980s, we have seen a backlash against immigration. Immigrants have always been a part of the American scene, but in some periods, more people have come than in others. Currently, immigration is a hot topic as many immigrants are coming from countries such as Somalia, Laos and Mexico. This course will explore questions such as: What is an "American"?; Where do "Americans" come from?; What kinds of immigration issues will affect the future of the United States?; What relevance does immigration have to my life? (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
PHIL100 Ethics in Society (3 credits)
This course studies the foundations for moral beliefs and values and the part they play in practical ethical judgments. After providing a general introduction to moral concepts and theories, the course covers a wide range of social problems through an analysis of power, privilege, and justice. The class is organized by overarching themes of race, social class, gender, and global concerns and addresses issues involving criminal justice, economic inequality, gender differences, and sexuality. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Area 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC Goal Area 7b - Race/Power/Justice, MNTC Goal Area 9 - Ethical/Civic Resp)
PHIL150 Medical Ethics (3 credits)
This course examines the moral problems confronting medical providers and surveys the broader field of bioethics. After providing a general introduction to ethical concepts and theories, it focuses on specific issues relating to the American health care system, including access to care, inequality, obesity, reproductive rights, end-of-life care, disability, organ transplantation, and alternative medicine. Emphasis is placed on practical application of moral principles and critical analysis of case studies. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 6-Humanities/Fine Arts and 9 - Ethical/Civic Responsibility)
PHIL210 Environmental Ethics (3 credits)
This class explores the place of human beings within the broader ecosystem, focusing on the environmental impact of human behavior and sustainable alternatives to consumerist lifestyles. In addition to surveying the scientific evidence for the ecological problems humans cause, it addresses the political, economic, cultural, philosophical and religious dimensions of the current environmental crisis. The class also includes discussion and application of solutions to these problems, encouraging students to become involved in environmental activism and consider changes in their own behavior. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 9, 10: Ethical and Civic Responsibility, People and the Environment)
PSYC140 Psychology of Positive Adjustment (4 credits)
The Psychology of Positive Adjustment introduces students to the scientific literature on positive adjustment to modern life. We will examine the questions: What is well-being and happiness? Who achieves it? Why does it elude some people? Which practices foster well-being and happiness? We will draw from the research in social psychology, neuroscience, personality psychology, cognitive psychology and sociocultural psychology. The course will incorporate the concepts of ethical living, values clarification, and civic responsibility as part of the mature development of psychological well-being. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
POL110 American Government (3 credits)
American Government introduces students to the fundamentals of American National Government. The course includes an examination of basic American political principles and practices, the Constitution, major institutions, and civil liberties. The objective of this course is to acquaint students with the complexities of the American political system. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Science, Ethical and Civic Responsibility)
AIS120 Dakota Culture, History and Language (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the language, history and culture of the Dakota nation. Students will gain cultural, historical, and sociological knowledge and understanding of the Dakota nation through readings, lectures, guest speakers, and media. Students will learn some basic Dakota language skills. Students will be encouraged to engage critically on historical and contemporary issues and be inspired towards activism as they participate in service learning opportunities within the Native population. Various outside resources will be brought in to explore the Dakota language. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 7a & b: Human Diversity (7a) & Race, Power, and Justice (7b) and 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility)
SOC205 Special Topics in Sociology: (3 credits)
Special Topics in Sociology is a course that is used to cover a specific sociological area that is not otherwise covered by the other sociology courses offered. This course will explore the basic principles, theories, methodologies, and contemporary research and issues of the topic indicated in the course title on the registration page. Students should expect this course to be a survey of topics in the given sociological sub-discipline. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Science, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
SOC259 Drugs and Society (3 credits)
This course focuses on drug use and abuse as a social rather than as a medical or psychopathological phenomenon. Specifically, the course deals with the history of drug use and regulatory attempts in the United States and around the world; the relationship between drug use and race/social class; pharmacology and use patterns related to specific drugs; perspectives on the causes of drug abuse; AIDS prevention and harm reduction interventions; drug-using subcultures; drug policy, drug dealing and street gangs, drug legislation, and drug enforcement; and the promotion and condemnation of drug activities in the mass media. Each week, students can expect to discuss one of these issues and also view an episode of a program from the popular media used as a basis for discussion. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Science, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
Additional Arts and Sciences
Select 9 more credits from any MnTC goal area. Courses must be chosen in consultation with your Advisor.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
