University of Richmond

Culinary Arts Program Certificate

The CAP certificate program is for anyone who is really serious about cooking. It is a 42-hour program that includes five core courses, four electives (topics change each semester) and a Certified Executive Chef Review course.

To maximize benefit from the program, we recommend that students complete Tools of the Trade prior to taking elective courses. This course is also a pre-requisite for all core courses.

Prior to completing the final class, the Certified Executive Chef Review, students must fill out the CAP Graduation ApplicationPDF and pay the $75 fee. After successfully completing the C.E.C. Review, students are eligible to graduate.

Each June, a CAP graduation ceremony is held to honor students. This reception is open to all graduates as well as their family and friends. Graduates receive a Culinary Arts Program Certificate, apron and cookbook.

 Required Course

  • Tools of the Trade

Four Core Courses

 Choose four core courses to learn fundamental cooking techniques.

  • Bakeshop Basics
  • Chef's Skills
  • Fish and Shellfish Identification, Prep and Cookery
  • Herbs and Spices
  • More Chef's Skills
  • Introduction to Baking
  • Stocks and Sauces
  • Putting It All Together
  • Yeast Breads: Basics of Breadmaking

Four Elective Courses

Choose four elective courses to learn more about specific cuisine or food topics. Most elective courses meet for one 3-hour session. Elective courses change each semester.

Final Showcase And Graduation Application

Advanced Special Series

Once students have obtained the CAP Certificate, they are eligible to participate in our advanced Special Series courses. This special series of classes is designed specifically for graduates of CAP who want to continue to learn and expand on their knowledge.

Each Special Series will focus on a type of cuisine or food topic and will meet for single or multiple sessions. Series topics will change each semester so there is always something new to learn.

Current course listings

Please visit the Think Again catalog to see a list of available classes and to register.