Oregon Culinary Institute
Oregon Culinary was founded on a simple idea: that a great
culinary arts education must be complete, practical, affordable
and give its graduates the best possible foundation for a life in
the food service industry. It is the latest addition to Pioneer
Pacific College, a regional leader in career education since
1981.
The Oregon Culinary Institute can open the kitchen doors for you
to become part of this fast-paced, growing industry full of
exciting career opportunities. We offer a fully-accredited
34-week culinary arts diploma program, a 64-week associate's
program, and a 16-week baking and pastry certificate program in a
beautiful 10,000-square-foot facility with industry-standard
kitchen labs, classrooms, a computer lab and an
open-to-the-public fine-dining restaurant. We have a world-class
faculty of passionate, experienced chef instructors, and their
mission is to provide first-rate, hands-on training and prepare
you for a wide variety of industry jobs.
Whether your dream is to join the staff of a prestigious
restaurant, or to own one yourself, Oregon Culinary can be the
first step in a long, creative and fulfilling career.
What does Oregon Culinary have to offer?
A Quality Career Education at a More Affordable Price
Oregon Culinary Institute charges a significantly lower tuition
than many of our competitors. In addition, the cost of required
books, kitchen uniforms and a cutlery set is included in the
total program cost, so you can use financial aid for those
related expenses.
A Focused, Short-Term Program Gets You Started on Your Career
You can earn a diploma in just 34 academic weeks, an associate's
degree in just 64 weeks, or a baking and pastry certificate in
just 16 weeks at Oregon Culinary Institute. Our mission is to
give students a solid grounding in the basics without any of the
fluff included in many other culinary programs, so you can spend
less time in school and start your career faster.
Hands-On Training with Personalized Attention
At Oregon Culinary Institute, students spend more time in the
kitchen and less time in lecture. You'll have the opportunity to
learn by doing, with the one-on-one support and attention you
need to be well-trained for your culinary career.
An Easy Admissions Process with Financial Aid Guidance
The Oregon Culinary Institute admissions process is easy to
understand and our friendly team will work with you each step of
the way. We'll even help you find housing if you are relocating
to Portland. Our financial aid department will give you
one-on-one attention as they guide you through the tuition
planning process.
A Great Location
Oregon Culinary Institute is located in beautiful Portland,
Oregon, one of America's most livable cities. The jewel of the
Willamette Valley, this is a chef's paradise of fresh
ingredients, near one of the world's great wine making regions
and home to a vibrant, creative restaurant scene. The school is
just blocks from downtown in Goose Hollow with easy access by the
MAX train or bus.
Learn More 
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts (24 week program)
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The Baking & Pastry Diploma program is designed to prepare the graduate for an entry-level position in a variety of food service industry work settings. The program emphasizes safety, sanitation, the understanding of weights and measures, ingredients, baking methods, and the development of basic skills. Students learn through a combination of lecture, demonstration and extensive practice in kitchen labs. They also will gain valuable practical experience producing breads and desserts for the school's open-to-the-public restaurant.
Students are on campus for 16 weeks. After completion, students will complete a 240 hour off-premise externship. School hours are Monday through Friday
from 3:00 PM-9:00 PM. Class is limited to 16 students.
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts (40 weekend program)
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The Baking & Pastry Diploma program is designed to prepare the graduate for an entry-level position in a variety of food service industry work settings. The program emphasizes safety, sanitation, the understanding of weights and measures, ingredients, baking methods, and the development of basic skills. Students learn through a combination of lecture, demonstration and extensive practice in kitchen labs. They also will gain valuable practical experience producing breads and desserts for the school's open-to-the-public restaurant.
Weekend Program is 32 weekends in length on campus. After completion, students will complete a 240 hour off-premise externship. School hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. Class is limited to 16 students.
Diploma in Culinary Arts
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The culinary arts program is built around a focused, practical
curriculum that systematically takes students through the
essentials of working in a commercial kitchen. There is no fluff
here; the subjects and skills taught by our chef instructors are
what every restaurant owner and executive chef want from their
new staff members. Our aim is to help our students become
immediately employable by giving them a solid grounding in the
basics and many hours of hands-on practice.
Technique and practical hands-on knowledge form the backbone of
our professional program. Oregon Culinary Institute offers a
concentrated, affordable education based on learning by doing.
Oregon Culinary students spend the majority of their time in the
kitchen labs with personalized attention from the chef
instructors.
Classes start every 10 weeks. The program can be completed in as
little as 32 weeks -- 24 weeks in the kitchens and classrooms and
360 hours in an on-the-job externship.
We know what executive chefs are looking for when they take on a
new hire. They want someone who is skilled with a knife; who
knows classic techniques such as sautéing, braising and
sauce preparation; who knows ingredients and can discern the
nuances of flavor; who can arrange a plate aesthetically and who
can do it all quickly and efficiently.
Now is the time to turn your dream of being a professional chef
into reality. Locally-owned Oregon Culinary Institute is an
established and respected institution committed to academic
excellence, using proven teaching methods to help you achieve
your goals.
Associate's in Culinary Arts
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Program length: 17 months
After successfully completing the Culinary Arts Diploma Program, students may transfer to the Wilsonville, Clackamas, and/or Springfield campus of Pioneer Pacific College for three 10-week terms of general education and foundation requirements. This option is designed for students who wish to pursue restaurant ownership and/or management.
Classes start every 10 weeks. The program can be completed in as
little as 62 weeks. 24 weeks in the kitchens and classrooms, 360
hours in an on-the-job externship and 30 weeks in business and
general education courses.
