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Chef Lawrence Perry, M.S.
Culinary Arts/Hospitality Program Director
Culinary & Hospitality Program
Associate of Applied Science • 60 Credit Hours
Are you passionate about cooking? You can turn your love for food into a Recipe for Success by pursuing a rewarding career in Culinary Arts at Mountwest Community and Technical College.
Hospitality Management – Culinary Arts
Certificate of Applied Science
34 Credit Hours
Mountwest Culinary Arts curriculum is designed to develop and provide students with an intensive professional and practical experience and background with a hands-on approach. The program blends in-class lecture theory, hands-on application and in-field lab practicum placement. These teaching methods ensure graduates are equipped with well-rounded expertise in knife skills and food production, classic baking and pastry techniques and restaurant and culinary operations management. Skills are learned and mastered following industry standard approved guidelines. Students acquire practical experience in the creative development of menus and culinary artistry. Courses provide additional ManageFirst certifications from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, including Hospitality and Restaurant Management, Controlling Foodservice Costs, Bar and Beverage Management, Customer Service and Culinary Nutrition and ServSafe Food Safety, the leader in food-safety training. Mountwest’s Center for Culinary Arts is excited to play a leading role in Huntington’s rising culinary scene with a campus location that brings students close to exciting city restaurant life while maintaining the at-home feel of a familiar neighborhood.
Mountwest’s Center for Culinary Arts is excited to play a role in Huntington’s rising culinary scene with a campus location that brings students close to the exciting restaurant life of the city while maintaining the at-home feel of a familiar neighborhood.
Program outcomes
Graduates will be employed in the field, a related field, or pursuing an advanced degree.
Graduates will demonstrate skills and knowledge appropriate for success in the culinary arts.
Graduates will be satisfied that the curriculum has prepared them for success in the field or a related field, or for the pursuit of an advanced degree.
Chefs and Head Cooks
2021 Median Pay
$51,530 per year
Number of Jobs
110,700 in 2020
Job Outlook
2020-2030 25%
Much faster than average employment.
For the most current salary information, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” found online at bls.gov/ooh/.
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
The Greenbrier Resort, WV
Martha Stewart Living, NY
NOMA, Denmark
Food Network Inc, NY
Blackberry Farms, NC
Rye Restaurant, KY
Alinea, IL
Learn technical skills and receive hands-on training necessary for this in-demand profession. Study the fundamentals of classical and contemporary cooking, travel through the world of international gastronomy and develop entrepreneurial skills necessary to make your career in the Hospitality Industry successful.
Employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Income growth will result in greater demand for high-quality dishes at a variety of dining venues. As a result, more restaurants and other dining places are expected to open to satisfy consumer desire for dining out.
Consumers are continuing to demand healthier meals made from scratch in restaurants, in cafeterias, in grocery stores, and by catering services. To ensure high-quality dishes, these establishments are increasingly hiring experienced chefs to oversee food preparation.