About the Culinary Program

The culinary program at the Gulf Coast Culinary Institute at Faulkner State has been proven to be outstanding for preparing students to enter the industry with the credentials necessary to be successful with a career in culinary arts. The faculty and staff take great pride in the program and the accomplishments of the students who have completed it.

There are other things about the program that you may not know that would be very helpful to you in comparing it to other schools. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation which gives it a seal of approval all over the country. The tuition at the College is very low when you compare it to other culinary schools, and your internship pays you while you work and learn in a real restaurant on the beautiful beaches at Gulf Shores, Alabama. The faculty members for the culinary program are all very qualified with years of both teaching and actual on-the-job experience in restaurants. Not only do they instruct you in culinary, but they are also available to be a mentor and advisor to you. The kitchen (lab) is state of the art and among the finest in the south-eastern United States, and the dining room is equipped to serve meals to the public as a realistic learning experience. These are just some of the advantages you will find. If all of this sounds like what you are looking for, get in touch with the College and let us give you a tour, or better yet just come join us!

Location

The Gulf Coast Culinary Institute is located on Faulkner State's Gulf Shores Campus, just two miles from the pristine white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

While studying at Faulkner, students can enjoy all our beach community has to offer including many of the south's finest championship golf courses, charter fishing, world famous clubs and theme parks and of course soaking up the rays on the beautiful beaches.

Our location on the coast also affords students unique internship opportunities with area restaurants, hotels, resorts and theme parks.

Accreditations

Faulkner State is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Unlike most culinary schools, if you choose to continue your education your credits will transfer to colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The Gulf Coast Culinary Institute of Faulkner State College is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute (ACFEI). The ACFEI Accrediting Commission accredits post-secondary programs that offer training to students to allow them to practice effectively on an entry-level in the area of culinary arts and foodservice management.

Facilities & Frederic's Restaurant

The Gulf Coast Culinary Institute has one of the best teaching kitchens in the United States. Each piece of equipment has been selected to offer students the most modern cooking technology available.

Frederic's Restaurant

On Monday evenings during the fall and spring semesters, The Gulf Coast Culinary Institute opens its restaurant, Frederic's, to the general public. Students prepare and serve a five-course gourmet meal beginning at 7 p.m. For more information including dinner dates, menus, and how to place a reservation, visit the Frederic's page (coming soon).

Degree Plans

• Culinary Arts (AAS, option under Hospitality Administration)
• Dietary Manager (AAS, option under Hospitality Administration)
• Culinary Arts (Certificate)
• Dietary Manager (Certificate)
• Culinary Arts (Training Certificate)
• Dietary Manager (Training Certificate)
  

Want More Information?

If you would like more information about the Culinary Arts programs, just fill out our online Information Request and someone will get in touch with you!