Culinary Academy of South Dakota

The Culinary Academy of South Dakota at Mitchell Technical College has a long and honored tradition in the upper Midwest. Placement opportunities for graduates have been excellent. This program combines traditional campus instruction with apprenticeship training in other South Dakota communities including major convention centers and hotels.

Learning to cook in the Mitchell Tech kitchens, students master the techniques of food preparation, sanitation and service in a large operation. Fulfilling all the positions in modern food service, students move easily from kitchen to front-of-house, learning as they work. The program provides daily food service to Mitchell Tech students, staff and guests, short order service and elegant Oak Room dining in Mitchell Tech’s prestigious on-campus restaurant.

After two semesters on campus, students are prepared to enter the food service industry with a one-year Culinary Arts diploma. Students also have the option of enrolling in a second year and completing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Culinary Arts. The two-year option includes a summer internship between the first and second year. AAS graduates have experience in cooking, but equally important, are prepared for management positions in the food service industry.

Program Mission

The Culinary Academy of South Dakota provides students with hands-on, experiential learning in order to attain a strong culinary foundation and the practical skills necessary for success in the foodservice industry.