About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
  • Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Code: 0435 P0435
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Overview

Interested in learning how to showcase your creative flair for culinary arts, while gaining the skills needed to manage a food preparation team?

As a Culinary Management graduate, you are skilled in the art of food preparation and presentation and apply advanced food theories and kitchen management techniques to ensure a safe and healthy kitchen environment.

Highlights
  • The School of Culinary Arts at Niagara College is renowned for its outstanding reputation with graduates, employers and industry partners.

  • Unmatched hands-on learning environment with leading-edge facilities and world-class chef faculty.

  • Industry and community engagement through not-for-profit and catered events, recipe competitions, and industry research and innovation.

  • Work-integrated learning opportunities through unique signature culinary events and volunteer initiatives.

Career Opportunities
  • Banquet manager
  • Caterer
  • Chef
  • Chef de Partie
  • Cook
  • Executive chef
  • Food product developer
  • Kitchen manager
  • Line cook
  • Sous chef
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Courses

Term one (2024 Spring)
Code Course Name Credits
CULN1121 Introduction to Food Principles 3
MATH1080 Mathematics 3
NUTN1175 Nutrition 3
CULN1148 Garde Manger I 3
CULN1145 Culinary Techniques I 3
CULN1150 Culinary Essentials 3
Term two (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
ENGL1098 Language and Communications 3
CULN1221 Understanding Quality Ingredients 3
CULN1320 Culinary Cost Control 3
CULN1248 Garde Manger II 3
CULN1245 Culinary Techniques II 3
BAKG1110 Baking Essentials 3
Term three (Co-op) (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COOP1110 Co-op Work Term 0
Term four (2025 Spring)
Code Course Name Credits
CULN1222 Kitchen Operations 3
CULN1421 Food and Beverage Marketing 3
CULN1321 The Theory of Food Combination 3
CULN1275 Global Gastronomy 3
CULN1333 Curing and Preserving Techniques 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term five (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CULN1423 Food and Wine Dynamics 3
CULN1400 Regional Canadian Cuisine 3
CULN1405 Culinary Management Concepts 3
CULN1340 Integrated Contemporary Food Production 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Program Outcomes Term: 1242
  1. Provide advanced culinary planning, preparation, and presentation for a variety of food service environments using a range of classical and contemporary techniques.

  2. Apply basic and advanced food and bake science to food preparation to create a desired end product.

  3. Contribute to and monitor adherence of others to the provision of a well-maintained kitchen environment and to the service of food and beverage products that are free from harmful bacteria or other contaminants, adhering to health, safety, sanitation and food handling regulations.

  4. Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen and all aspects of food preparation to promote healthy work spaces, responsible kitchen management and efficient use of resources.

  5. Create menus that reflect knowledge of nutrition and food ingredients, promote general health and well-being, respond to a range of nutritional needs and preferences and address modification for special diets, food allergies and intolerances, as required.

  6. Apply business principles and recognized industry costing and control practices to food service operations to manage and promote a fiscally responsible operation.

  7. Apply knowledge of sustainability, ethical and local food sourcing , and food security to food preparation and kitchen management, recognizing the potential impacts on food production, consumer choice and operations within the food service industry.

  8. Select and use technology, including contemporary kitchen equipment, for food production and promotion.

  9. Perform effectively as a member of a food and beverage preparation and service team and contribute to the success of a food-service operation by applying self-management and interpersonal skills.

  10. Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional learning to ensure currency with and responsiveness to emerging culinary techniques, regulations and practices in the food service industry.

  11. Contribute to the development of marketing strategies that promote the successful operation of a food service business.

  12. Contribute to the business management of a variety of food and beverage operations to foster and engaging work environment that reflects service excellence.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Hospitality and/or Tourism– any Grade 11 or 12 course
  • Information Technology Applications in Business – Grade 11 (O)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Culinary Management (Co-op) program below.

  • NC Pathway
    Advanced Standing in:
    Niagara College Culinary Innovation and Food Technology (Co-op)
  • NC Pathway
    Advanced Standing in:
    Niagara College Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations (Co-op)

    Students receive two 2-year Ontario College Diplomas in 3 years.

  • NC Pathway
    This program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:
    Niagara College Culinary Skills
  • From NC to
    Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland Honours Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts Switzerland
  • From NC to
    Royal Roads University Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management Canada
  • From NC to
    Royal Roads University Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel Management Canada
Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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Co-op

A program with a co-op (co-operative education) component means that the curriculum combines an in-class education along with hands-on experience of working a job in the program's field of study.

During co-op work terms students are able to link what they learned in the classroom in a real workplace. Understanding the skills they've developed academically helps create a more meaningful college experience, and means they are better prepared for their career after graduation.

For Students
  • Co-op terms are paid. Earn while you learn!
  • Practice the skills you’ve learned in the classroom.
  • Gain experience in your field of study before you graduate.
  • Develop references and connections.
  • Hone your skills with feedback from your employer.
Learn More About Co-op @ NC
For Employers
  • Low cost with tax credits and other funding available.
  • Hire for peak season, staff coverage, special projects, etc.
  • Help prepare students with career-related work experience.
  • Minimal training required.
  • Proven recruiting strategy for future staff.
Hire NC Co-op Students

Niagara College has truly been the foundation of my culinary life.

Niagara College has truly been the foundation of my culinary life.The level of Chef professors and faculty at Niagara College is just phenomenal, they will always go above and beyond to help you and guide you through every class - every step of your time there. The amount of support and the positive push that I got from the chefs at Niagara College was very crucial to me. I would never be where I am if it wasn’t for their guidance.

Vaishnav Mayekar, Program Graduate Executive Chef, The American Pavilion

Being in the location it is, and with the Chefs that are educating us, it was clear to me Niagara had a ton of things going for it especially with it being in such a tourist centered area. I had high expectations for the type of culinary skills I’d be learning and with all the different cuisines around the school and all the different people I meet, I learned something of genuine value everyday.

Erin, program graduate
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