An online associate degree in catering may provide students with a solid start in the food service business. Students enrolled in these two-year programs may learn how to prepare food and set up a catering business. Coursework within these programs may include a few general education requirements alongside electives and core courses, such as meal planning and preparation, sanitation and safety, and financial management.

Online associate degree in catering graduates may either seek entry-level employment in the food service business or further their education by transferring into a baccalaureate-level program in catering management. Graduates of these programs may find careers in the food service industry in areas including hotels, restaurants, schools, and amusement parks.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: -1% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online associate-level program in catering may include several general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. In these two-year programs, students may study communications, human resources, management, and customer relations. Core online catering courses may include the following:

• Sanitation and Safety
• Meal Planning and Preparation
• Financial Management
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Business and Hospitality
• Menu Management
• Culinary Arts

Career Options

Graduates of online associate-level programs in catering may find career opportunities in restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, private households, and other food service facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in catering, such as head cooks and chefs, may see a decline of one percent from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Head Cook
• Event Planner
• Food Preparation Worker
• Catering Staff Supervisor
• Caterer

Continuing Education

Individuals who finish the associate-level programs in catering may opt to transfer their credits into an online bachelor’s degree in catering management. In these four-year programs, students may gain in-depth training on restaurant business and management as well as food and wine marketing. Employers seeking to fill management positions may prefer prospects that hold some level of post-secondary education.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook