Search | Menu Gain the skills and experience you need to start your career in the food service industry.
-
Program Overview
With the Culinary Fundamentals certificate, you will develop the foundational skills necessary to pursue a career in the food-service industry.
Learn basic food theory and preparation, safety and sanitation, knife skills, and production baking basics.
All of the credits you earn in this certificate can be applied towards earning your Culinary Production Specialist technical diploma or Culinary Arts associate degree. In fact, if you apply to the associate degree program, you'll automatically earn this certificate and Culinary Production Specialist technical diploma as you complete the required courses.
No matter which culinary program you choose, you'll be learning and using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment with the help of real-world smart instructors and staff.
Program Details
Students in the Culinary program can attend full or part-time.
Culinary Arts degree classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Culinary Fundamentals Careers
After completing the Culinary Fundamentals program, you will have the skills you need to start your career in various commercial kitchens such as restaurants, bakeries, hotels or care facilities.
- Prep Cook, Cook, or Line Cook
- Caterer
Take a Look Inside a Classroom
-
Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Prior to Start of Program Course RequirementProgram Course Requirements -
Admission
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to a resume. Applications for this certificate are available once per year.
To Apply
There are no admission requirements for this certificate, simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
Fall 2025 Application Dates
- Application available on February 1, 2025
- Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025
Additional Notes
- Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
- Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, complete and pass Principles of Sanitation, an orientation course covering food service sanitation principles and the role of food service personnel in the prevention of contamination and food borne illness. Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Students who already have ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification may be eligible to earn credit for prior learning.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Culinary Fundamentals career.
-
Career Outcomes
After completing the Culinary Fundamentals program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Apply principles of safety and sanitation in food service operations;
- Demonstrate basic culinary skills;
- Assist in food service management.
