Above: Ashley Rainey is a recent graduate of MGCCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s culinary programs have been ranked first in the state by Best Choice Schools. The ranking is based on the variety of coursework, a low student to faculty ratio, a professional work setting, and internship opportunities.

“A programs accomplishments and accolades are rooted in the successes of its students and graduates,” Chef Todd Reilly, MGCCC Culinary Arts instructor, said. “It is for this reason I sincerely thank every student that has graced these halls and thank every student that will choose to in the future. We are only as good as those we teach.”

MGCCC’s culinary programs were ranked at the top of the state’s list for a variety of factors including accreditation by the American Culinary Federation. MGCCC offers the only programs in Mississippi with that accreditation. Additionally, students have access to a commercial kitchen with modern culinary equipment, and faculty are experts in the field and have a variety of experiences in the industry.

Culinary students at MGCCC follow a sequence of courses to earn their associate of applied science degree in as little as two years. Students can receive a degree in either Culinary Arts Technology or Baking and Pastry Arts Technology. Coursework covers areas such as menu planning and facility design to garde manger and principles of baking. Graduates are eligible for certification from the American Culinary Federation.

The restaurant and food service industry in Mississippi takes in $4.4 billion in sales and employs over 123,300 professionals. Another 12,000 jobs are expected to be added by 2026, a growth of over 9.7 percent. Highly skilled and educated culinary professionals are needed to fill those positions and earning a certificate or degree in culinary arts is a great way to get the education and experience hiring professionals desire.

For more information about MGCCC’s culinary programs, call (228) 896-2536.