Department Chair: Dr. Pierre Laguerre
Department Secretary: Dolores Piro
Room: A-306
Phone: (201) 879-5003
Hotel Restaurant Management Coordinator: Ronda Drakeford
Hotel Restaurant Management Academic Advisor: John Bandman
Executive Chef: Aaron Morrisey
Our Mission
The mission of the culinary arts program at Bergen Community College is to provide the knowledge and skills needed for students to succeed in the culinary arts industry. The certificate in culinary arts is designed to prepare entry-level or working food service professionals to increase their job value or refresh their culinary preparation and leadership skills in the introductory kitchens and the on-campus student-run full-service restaurant. Typically, students can complete the certificate program in two semesters. This certificate program is embedded into the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program. Students who wish to advance to a two-year degree can transfer all 30 credits into the 60-credit A.A.S. degree at Bergen Community College.
Career Paths
The certificate in culinary arts is designed to provide students with the coursework and training needed to enter into the field as a chef, sous chef, cook, or manager. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to culinary careers in a variety of settings including hotels, restaurants, catering and banquet halls, contract dining, and food service. Students can take coursework and concentrated options in hospitality, culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, catering and event planning, and hospitality and lodging. Students can also consider entering the Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in hotel and restaurant management, which is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant management. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the certificate in culinary arts may consider transfer opportunities into other culinary arts, hospitality, or hotel and restaurant management majors. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.