Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi University for Women announced a new partnership today that will allow culinary arts students to receive a bachelor’s degree on the Coast. The enhanced Two Plus Two program will provide a seamless transition for MGCCC associate degree graduates in culinary arts to finish their four-year degree through MUW.

MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham and MUW President Dr. Jim Borsig signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during a ceremony at MGCCC’s Hospitality and Resort Management Center at the Jefferson Davis Campus. It will provide educational opportunities for students in the Culinary Arts and related hospitality fields, which at MGCCC includes Baking and Pastry Arts Technology and Banquet and Catering Food Service Technology.

“We are pleased The W’s partnership with MGCCC will increase educational opportunities for students, as well as support the workforce needs of the region’s thriving culinary industry,” Dr. Borsig said. “I would like to thank President Graham for her leadership, and we look forward to our collaboration with our colleagues at MGCCC.”

MGCCC’s Culinary Arts Technology and related programs provide a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking Special emphasis is placed on culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and specialty ingredients. The heart of each program is hands-on lab instruction by a chef instructor in a commercial kitchen. Courses parallel those of the Culinary Institute of America and offer the opportunity for certification in the American Culinary Federation.

“Our outstanding culinary arts programs will now offer graduates the option to continue their educational training at one of the very best bachelor degree programs in the nation,” Graham said. “We are thrilled to offer these possibilities for our students, and we will continue to establish partnerships like this to enhance our educational offerings.”

Established in 1996, The W’s Culinary Arts Institute offers one of the nation’s first four-year baccalaureate degree programs in culinary arts.  It is a premier national program that includes concentrations in food journalism, food art, entrepreneurship, nutrition and wellness, and culinology.

Students entering the new program will earn a bachelor’s degree in technology and professional studies with a concentration in culinary arts. Career options include positions as executive chefs, small business owners, caterers, food stylists and food photographers, among others.