Choose Your Culinary Career Pathway
Are you a foodie looking to advance your skills as a baker or chef? Or do you want
to explore a career in hospitality management? The Culinary program at OCC teaches
hands-on skills. Learn techniques that advance your career in the food and service
industry.
Culinary Arts Degree
The Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. The curriculum
prepares students for a career in culinary arts that may lead to an executive chef
position with industry experience.
Learn more about the Culinary Arts Degree.
Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
The Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate is designed to prepare the student for a career
in Baking and Pastry Arts. Some Pastry Chefs may specialize in breads, tortes or even
wedding cake design.
Learn more about the Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate.
Hospitality Management Certificate
This certificate program is designed to develop skills and knowledge essential for
employment in the hospitality industry including food and beverage operations, guest
services, sales and event planning.
Learn more about the Hospitality Management Certificate.
Food Service Foundations Certificate
Whether you're aiming to launch a restaurant career or master the basics of culinary
arts, OCC's Food Service Foundations certificate delivers hands-on training in a cutting-edge
facility—allowing you to earn your credential in as little as one year.
Learn more about the Food Service Foundations Certificate.
OCC Opens New Culinary Studies Institute Building
Our new, state-of-the-art facility includes new teaching and demonstration kitchens,
restaurant experiences, panoramic views of Royal Oak, and gives students access to
the most up-to-date culinary learning facility in Southeast Michigan. Learn more about OCC's new Culinary Studies Institute Building.
Chef Bardell Delivers Culinary Flair to Seniors
“Think like an artist, follow your passion, and find inspiration around you.” Read Chef Bardell's story.
Educating Tomorrow's Chefs: Chef Julie Selonke
Oakland Community College alumna, Chef Julie Selonke, leverages her extensive culinary
experience to educate and mentor aspiring chefs as a program coordinator and instructor
at OCC.
Student-Run Restaurants
Oakland Community College offers an array of cuisine options open to both on-campus
staff and students as well as the general public. Menu items include freshly prepared
food prepared by OCC culinary students. Come dine at one of OCC's restaurants.
Seasoned Oak: Our modern, 2,300-square-foot restaurant and cafe space, where students prepare
items from scratch. Includes our prix fixe restaurant menu (a pre-selected multi-course
meal at a set price) and a la carte cafe items. Open to the public, but seating is
limited and by reservation only. Located on the 3rd Floor of the Culinary Studies
Institute Building.
Sweet Oak Cafe: Stop in and enjoy an ever-changing selection of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch
items, all inspired and prepared at OCC. Open to the public and OCC students and staff.
Located on the 1st Floor of the Culinary Studies Institute Building with easy access
from downtown Royal Oak.
Culinary & Community Education Events
Each year the Culinary Institute offers a wide range of culinary special events, student-run events, planning and executing banquet and buffet-style events, developing
innovative menus and more. These include OCC’s Community Education program which offers
culinary classes for community members of all ages. From family classes like cookie
decorating to Wine Tasting, learn more at Culinary Community Ed Classes.
Students who want to take the next step in exploring their culinary career can attend an upcoming virtual or in-person orientation.
6:00PM Royal Oak - E Building
Step into a winter wonderland and climb aboard for a night of holiday magic. Our “Polar Express”...
5:00PM Virtual Event
Orientation sessions are mandatory for all students applying to the Culinary Program. Each session...
11:00AM Royal Oak - E Building
Our Spring Buffet highlights the fresh flavors of the season through a diverse menu crafted by our...
6:00PM Royal Oak - E Building
Embark on an unforgettable evening with A Taste of India, where vibrant colors, exotic spices, and...
Register for a Culinary Orientation Session
Fill out our inquiry form to register for a Culinary Orientation Session. For general
questions call (248) 522-3700.
Prepare to Transfer – Even if You Are Not Planning to Today!
By planning early and working with an OCC Counselor throughout your OCC experience you will be able to maximize your OCC applicable credits
upon transfer. If you are pursuing an associate in applied science you may be able
to satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement by taking as few as four additional courses, saving you time, money and aggravation!
Regardless of your program of study, OCC has many Transfer Credit Agreements with colleges and universities to assist with navigating your way to a bachelor’s
degree. Visit the College Transfer Success Guide webpage for additional information and resources.
