Every industry depends on a positive bottom line, which makes a strong business background the ultimate career catalyst. Pitt Business has partnered with Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) to offer a new business culinary arts certificate, which combines foundational business knowledge with hands-on culinary arts training. This is the first-of-its-kind partnership between Pitt and CCAC.
This 18-credit certificate is available for all University of Pittsburgh undergraduate students with an interest in managing a restaurant, launching a food business, or driving innovation inside a food-service organization.
“At Pitt Business, we’re thrilled to give students a path that pairs real culinary training with the business fundamentals to turn a passion for food into a sustainable career,” says Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Professor of Business Administration, Deb Good. “This certificate opens doors in one of Pittsburgh’s fastest-growing industries, and reflects our commitment to creating accessible, hands-on opportunities for every kind of student.”
Two Tracks: Business Management or Entrepreneurship
Through nine credits in business coursework at Pitt and nine-credits in culinary coursework at CCAC, students will learn how to lead teams, manage operations, think entrepreneurially, and execute in professional kitchen environments. The program integrates classroom learning with experience-based projects mentored by industry representatives.
Students can choose from a business management or entrepreneurship track. The nine credits of business courses are offered by Pitt Business and focus on foundational business knowledge and applied management skills.
Hands-on Courses at CCAC
Pitt students travel to CCAC’s Northside campus to study in their state-of-the-art, professional kitchens and can choose a meat/seafood concentration or a baking/pastry concentration.
“Whether they want to own, manage, or serve food, students looking for careers in the culinary arts need to understand the restaurant business and have the technical skills to purchase, manage, prepare, and handle food safely and economically,” says CCAC’s Associate Dean of Business and Technology, Chester D. Thompson.
“Together, our institutions are supporting the region’s restaurants, hotels, and hospitality industries by preparing skilled professionals who will be well-equipped to succeed in the competitive and evolving food industry.”
Next Steps
CCAC’s Dean of Business and Technology James Winyard says he’s excited to continue this partnership and sees the potential for other collaborations.
Pitt’s Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies, Adam J. Lee agrees.
“One of the most energizing parts of working together on this project was the side discussions about other potential shared programs and pathways to better connect our students and campus resources, says Lee. “While both Pitt and CCAC are clearly focused on opportunities for students within their institutions, collaboration can extend the whole beyond the sum of our respective parts.”
Students interested in learning more about this certificate should visit the Pitt Business Culinary Management Certificate webpage and contact their advisor to register for classes.