Food Services

Overview

Food services programs teach people to prepare and serve food in various settings such as restaurants, bars, and cafeterias.

Food services and technology programs teach people to mix drinks, prepare food, and cut and package meat. Students learn sanitary principles and health regulations. They also learn about nutrition and the functional properties of food.

Food services programs include topics such as:

Preparing food
Mixing drinks
Serving food
Meat cutting
Equipment maintenance
Food safety and health regulations

Schools

Many specialized schools and community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in food services. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Some specialized schools and colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in food services. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Food and Nutrition
Food Science
Food Service
Food Service and Nutrition
General Math
Industrial Safety and First Aid

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Bar Mixology and Management
Basic Foods: Preparation and Production
Commercial Food Preparation
Cured Meats
Customer Service Skills
Equipment Usage and Knife Skills
First Aid and CPR
Food Safety
General Nutrition
Meat Cutting
Principles of Beer and Wine
Quantity Foods
Sanitation and Hygiene Techniques
Service of Food and Beverage
Table Service

Many programs include an externship in their curriculum. This gives you the opportunity to practice what you've learned in real-life food services settings. You also benefit from the guidance and direct supervision of an experienced food services and technology worker.

Things to Know

You are expected to purchase your own cooking tools and chef's uniform.

If your program does not offer an internship, you should seek one out on your own. Besides the working experience, you could also make professional contact with potential employers or references.

Every state has different regulations on food safety and preparation in public institutions such as restaurants. Check with your local health department or state restaurant association for more information on specific requirements. You may need to get a certificate in food safety before you can start working.