- Credential
- Culinary Arts — Associate in Occupational Studies
- Published length
- 2-year sequence; 64 credits
- Format
- Campus cooking and baking laboratories plus industry work experience
- Campus
- Schenectady, NY
Who might consider this program?
A public-college associate route combining savory cooking, baking and substantial hospitality work experience.
This A.O.S. combines cooking and baking laboratories with the operational side of food service. The 2026–27 curriculum requires at least 64 credits and shows a two-year sequence covering food preparation, baking, sanitation, cost control, menu planning and dining or banquet operations. Students also study nutrition and progress to classical cuisine, regional baking and other advanced work. The program separately requires 600 hours of hospitality industry work experience or its equivalent; applicants should ask how prior experience can satisfy that requirement. A baking concentration exists, but this listing describes the general Culinary Arts route. Required uniforms and a knife set create costs beyond tuition and books. Because some laboratory projects involve actual preparation and service functions, the department should confirm the weekly attendance pattern before a student commits to outside work hours.
Source 1What does it cost?
These figures describe the selected campus and credential before gift aid. Each row states its scope; a tuition figure and a bundled school charge are different measures.
| Scenario | Amount and calculation | Still to add |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible NY resident: tuition only | $10,944 4 full-time semesters × $2,736 = $10,944 at 2026–27 rates. The published 64-credit plan is 17/15/16/16 credits. Assumes unchanged rates and completion in those four terms. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | Fees, kit, uniforms, books and living costs excluded. |
| Nonresident / missing residence documentation | $21,888 4 × $5,472 full-time semesters at current rates. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | Fees, kit, uniforms, books and living costs excluded. |
Fees, equipment and other expenses
The program lists uniforms at $100+ and a knife set at $200+, plus books. These are published starting figures, not a current itemized kit quote. Semester fees and living expenses are additional.
Calculations assume current rates continue, no repeated courses and the stated course load. Living costs and lost earnings are separate. Loans do not reduce the price.
Add your living costs and gift aid →Can it fit around a job?
Day, evening and weekend availability is unknown. The curriculum warns that some laboratory hours vary with food preparation and service assignments.
Source 1What practical training is involved?
The curriculum requires 600 hours of hospitality work experience or its equivalent, in addition to laboratory coursework.
Source 1Before you apply
Obtain the required county certificate of residence or Schenectady residency affidavit before relying on the resident rate.
What still needs an individual answer
- Laboratory preparation and service assignments can alter attendance hours.
- The four-semester estimate assumes no tuition increase in year two.
Questions for your enrollment or advising appointment
- How will my county residence documentation affect the tuition rate?
- Can my existing hospitality work count toward the 600-hour requirement?
- What are the actual laboratory days, service hours and current equipment charges?
Sources & further reading
Source information checked September 25, 2026.
By Culinary Field Guide · AI-assisted research of official sources. No campus visit or personal attendance is claimed. Research method and limitations.