Explore cooking as a profession.
Gain the skills and experience you need to start your career in the food service industry.
Student preparing food.
92%
Job Placement
92% job placement within six months of graduation.
15.7%
Job Growth Rate
The number of food service jobs is expected to increase by 15.7% by 2030.
91%
Work Local
91% of our recent graduates work in Wisconsin.
Culinary Fundamentals
Program Number: 613161PATH
Your Degree:
Career Pathway Certificate
Area of Study:
Culinary, Hospitality and Fitness
Delivery Method:
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
10 Credits | Finish in 1 year
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$2,449.90
  • 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

    Launch Baking and Culinary

  • 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 Requirement
    10-316-101
    1 credit
    Program Course Requirements
    10-316-106
    2 credits
    10-316-108
    1 credit
    10-316-111
    4 credits
    10-316-115
    2 credits
  • 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.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Culinary Fundamentals career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • 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.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are interested in seeking an associate degree, diploma or certificate, your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply!