Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry

As Julia Child once said, “No one is born a great cook; one learns by doing.” The Culinary Arts program can help you learn by doing—no matter your prior experience—sharpening your skills and preparing you for a career as a cook, pastry or restaurant chef, baker, or caterer.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

We are a Top College for the Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts Program at Scottsdale Community College is recognized as one of the top colleges in the Southwest U.S. for Culinary Arts and Commercial Baking. Our hands-on programs and student-run restaurant make our program distinct and acclaimed. The SCC Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation and is aligned with industry standards and current market trends that prepare graduates for real-world applications. Featuring a 2-semester program that is one of its kind in Arizona.

scc culinary art student in kitchen

Why Should You Attend?

Unlike other schools, we prepare you to work in the industry of your choice.

From every aspect of culinary arts & commercial baking, our hands-on instruction is second to none for any culinarian.

The Artichoke Grill is our student-run restaurant that is open to the public.

scc culinary arts students preparing food in kitchen

Who We Are

The Culinary Arts Program at SCC has produced industry professionals for over 30 years, and we are continuing to evolve and develop new standards of excellence in Culinary Arts education.

Our hands-on curriculum provides students with classical cooking techniques and knife skills within SCC’s 10,000 square-foot kitchen.

What We Offer

For more information, contact [email protected], complete the Culinary Program Application, or download the Culinary Arts Program Packet.

  • Culinary Arts Department
  • Applied Sciences Building
  • Office: AP-253
  • Phone: (480) 423-6284
  • [email protected]
  • Ashley Holian
  • Culinary Arts Program Director
  • Office: AP-254
  • Phone: (480) 423-6094
  • [email protected]
  • Brenda Lawson
  • Administrative Support
  • Office: AP-237A
  • Phone: (480) 423-6578
  • [email protected]
  • Gary Ward
  • Department Chair
  • Office: AP-247
  • Phone: (480) 423-6685
  • [email protected]

  1. Complete the Culinary Program Application.
  2. Enroll in the courses listed in the Program Curriculum.

Send an email to [email protected] for permission to take an upper-level class and provide us with the following:

  • Full name
  • Student ID#
  • Course number and section of classes you would like to take
  • Brief explanation of your educational and industry background

Our department is proud to have a fabulous team of industry professionals on our Advisory Board. They provide excellent advice as to current industry trends, employment opportunities, and skill sets required for success.

  • Angela Stutz (Perry High School - Instructor & Les Dames d'Escoffier )
  • Angie Gianulis (Hyatt Hotels - Recruitment Specialist)
  • Ashley Holian (SCC Residential Faculty - Program Director)
  • Brandon Vacca (SCC Culinary Arts Alumni)
  • Bryan Gorton (JW Marriott Desert Ridge - Executive Chef)
  • Chris Cwierz (SCC Residential Faculty - Baking & Pastry)
  • Chris McClintock (Omni Scottsdale Resort - Assistant Director of Human Resources)
  • Christian Quest (SCC Residential Faculty - Savory Foods)
  • Conor Favre (Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - Executive Chef)
  • Deb Abley (Mountain Pointe High School - Instructor)
  • Emma Perry (Hyatt Hotels - Talent Acquisition)
  • Howard Pierceall (EMCC Adjunct Instructor)
  • Jack Trier (SCC Baking & Pastry Adjunct Instructor)
  • Janelle Hoffman (SCC Hospitality & Tourism - Program Director)
  • Jenna D'Agostino (SCC Culinary Arts Alumni)
  • Jesse McDannel (Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort - Executive Chef)
  • Jill Smith (C-CAP Director of Apprenticeship Program)
  • Joseph Kalfus (EMCC Residential Faculty)
  • Kailey Murdock (SCC Baking & Pastry Adjunct Instructor)
  • Kelli Omerovic (SCC Baking & Pastry Adjunct Instructor)
  • Kevin Barko (C-CAP Arizona Program Director)
  • Lenard Rubin (Hilton Phoenix Resort - Director of Food & Beverage)
  • Louis Shaban (Chef Works - Senior Account Executive)
  • Mark Dow (SCC Residential Faculty - Dining Room Operations)
  • Michael Bergman (Chefs for Seniors - Owner; SCC Culinary Arts Alumni)
  • Rick Boyer (Robson Communities - VP & Food & Beverages Operations)
  • Robert Simmelink (Ignite Foodservice Solutions - Director of Culinary Services)
  • Ryan Lamkin (Sheraton Phoenix Downtown - Director of Operations)
  • Sabine Hebert (Four Seasons at Troon North - Director of People & Culture)
  • Samantha Parmerlee (Four Seasons at Troon North - Talent Acquisition Manager)
  • Shawn Bowers (SCC Culinary Arts Adjunct Instructor, SCC Culinary Arts Alumni)
  • Steve Griffiths (EMCC Residential Faculty - Program Director)
  • Sue Carter (Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - Assistant Director of Talent & Culture)
  • Tracy Bowers (SCC Culinary Arts Adjunct Instructor & Administrative Support)

Scottsdale Community College is the only school in Arizona with an AAS Degree in Culinary Arts accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.

American Culinary Federation-Accredited Program Student Achievement Data

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Kari Kauffman
I’m proud to have graduated from SCC’s Culinary program. It has a great reputation and every time I’ve mentioned where I attended, it is met with nods of recognition and approval. I’m certain that my success in the program at SCC has enabled me to get my foot in the door at more than one employer.
Kari Kauffman

Culinary Program Application

Please complete the Culinary Program Application form below. After you submit the form, a representative from our department will contact you as soon as possible to assist with planning and steps to enrollment.

Your MEID begins with three letters.
Semester in which you would prefer to start
Enter the referral source that was not listed above.