Culinary Arts Certificate

Become a Foodservice Professional with a Culinary Arts Certificate from NECC

Why pursue a certificate in Culinary Arts?

Are you passionate about food? Would you like to work in the dynamic food services industry? If so, NECC’s Culinary Arts Certificate program will prepare you to embark on an exciting career journey as a foodservice professional, empowering you to pursue entry level or higher jobs at restaurants, hotels, resorts, institutions, and other dining establishments.

Successful Culinary Careers Start with NECC!

At NECC, our Culinary Arts Certificate program is located on two floors featuring classrooms, laboratories, and state-of-the-art instructional kitchens. The building is also home to the Bosa Coastal Italian restaurant, where students can receive hands-on training and guidance through supervised internships.

Once you’ve completed NECC’s program, you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce as a foodservice professional. You’ll also have the option of transferring to one of our partner colleges and continuing your degree in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or a related field.

Ready to discover where your creativity and enthusiasm can take you?

What you’ll get from our Culinary Arts program

Know the Kitchen. Advance Your Foodservice Career

Explore the evolving culinary arts landscape, where you’ll get to learn about commercial food preparation and presentation essentials. From discovering the workings of a professional kitchen to developing advanced skills, such as artisanal breads and classic world cuisine, NECC’s program will prepare you for a gratifying career in the food services industry—proving that following your culinary dreams can lead to something truly remarkable!

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with others in the local food services community.

Gear Up for a Great Career as a Culinary Artist

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great line cook, prep cook, kitchen manager, or something else, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

Earn the 29-credit certificate full or part-time
Diversify your skill set through courses that include: Applied Culinary Techniques; Advanced Baking – Artisanal Breads, Pastry, and Patisserie; and Advanced Culinary – Classic World Cuisine and Garde Manger.
Gain practical commercial kitchen experience through a required program internship

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.

Once you’ve completed our Culinary Arts Certificate program, you’ll have the option of applying those credits towards a Culinary Arts associate degree at NECC.

Where this culinary journey can take you

Many entry-level jobs in the food service industry offer much potential for growth. In some ways, starting out with a certificate is an advantage—you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a degree.

If you’re already employed in the foodservice industry, our certificate program will help you gain advanced skills and insight into the workings of a commercial kitchen, making you more desirable to employers!

Imagine yourself serving in one of these culinary roles:

Optimizing kitchen workflow efficiency as a Prep Cook
Laying the groundwork for winning dishes as a Line Cook
Educating potential diners as a Food Critic
Streamlining kitchen operations as a Food Services Manager
Managing kitchen staff and planning menus as a Sous Chef
Helping staff create culinary masterpieces as a Kitchen Manager

Why choose NECC for your Culinary Arts certificate?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Culinary Arts Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe the Culinary Arts.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.

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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

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Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career outlook for Culinary Arts Professionals north of Boston

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for chefs and head cooks are projected to increase more than 8% within the next nine years. New job openings for food services managers are projected to increase 2% during that same period.

At NECC, our Culinary Arts Certificate program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as cooks, chefs, kitchen managers, and food services managers. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!

How much can I expect to make while working in the foodservice industry?

The earning potential for culinary professionals varies based on several factors, including education, certifications, experience, setting, and advanced skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Food Services Manager in Massachusetts was $101,597 as of September 2024.

With a Culinary Arts Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:

Prep Cook

Responsible for a station’s workflow, line cooks prepare food and ensure that servers deliver each dish to customers in a timely manner. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $37,048 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $34,208 and $41,994. ¹

Line Cook

Prepares ingredients for dishes served at a dining establishment and helps keep the kitchen clean and organized. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $39,339 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $35,927 and $44,302.¹

Food Critic

Evaluate and promote dining establishments through writing, photography, editing, production, and social media. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $77,373 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $70,287 and $84,387.¹

Food Services Manager

Responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $101,597 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $87,741 and $117,071.¹

Sous Chef

As a kitchen’s second-in-command, responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff, managing the kitchen when the head chef is absent, and helping to plan and execute menus. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $56,387 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $48,636 and $66,363.¹

Kitchen Manager

Oversees a restaurant’s day-to-day kitchen operations, including food preparation, safety, staff training, and customer service. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $67,161 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $58,222 and $77,310.¹

How to get started as a Culinary professional near the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Culinary Arts Certificate program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

See all estimated costs and fees

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree

MassTransfer

Requirements

Courses and Requirements

A minimum of 29 credits is required but students have the flexibility to earn a certificate on a full-time or part-time basis—making it ideal for those already employed in the food service industry.

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Student Learning Outcomes

Describes and demonstrates the classical and contemporary cooking techniques for both savory and sweet foods.
Demonstrate a comprehension of flavor profiling, ingredient selection, nutrition, and presentation principles.
Demonstrates and understands the use of culinary industry-specific equipment.
Demonstrates basic measuring, conversion, food costing, and yield management practices.
Performs mathematical computations related to foodservice operations.
Demonstrates an understanding of food management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates familiarity with the organizational structures and basic functions of the kitchen.
Applies the principles of menu planning and layout to the development of menus for restaurants and catering operations
Understands the basic components of the Income statement and how they affect the profitability of an operation

Faculty

Program Coordinator

Denis Boucher, Program Coordinator

dboucher@necc.mass.edu
978-241-4781

Info Sessions & Tours

Come to an upcoming information session on either the Lawrence or the Haverhill campus and get all of your questions answered.

Stop by one of our Lawrence or Haverhill campus Career Planning and Advising Centers and meet with an enrollment counselor.

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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Become a Foodservice Professional with a Culinary Arts Certificate from NECC

Why pursue a certificate in Culinary Arts?

Successful Culinary Careers Start with NECC!

What you’ll get from our Culinary Arts program