Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Course Description
Discover your passion for cooking and take the first step toward a rewarding culinary career with the Culinary Arts Certificate Program at Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute. Designed for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike, this comprehensive program equips students with the foundational skills and techniques needed to excel in the kitchen and beyond. A Certificate of Completion in Culinary Arts is awarded at the completion of the program by Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute.
What Students Learn:
- Essential Culinary Techniques: Master the art of knife skills, cooking methods, and food preparation.
- Nutrition and Wellness: Learn how to create dishes that balance flavor and health, with a focus on modern dietary trends.
- Global Cuisines: Explore a world of culinary traditions and expand your palate by preparing dishes inspired by diverse cultures.
- Menu Planning and Presentation: Develop skills in crafting balanced menus and plating meals with a flair for the artistic.
- Food Safety and Sanitation: Gain a thorough understanding of industry-standard practices to ensure safe and hygienic food preparation.
Why Choose Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute?
- Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
- Expert instruction from seasoned chefs and culinary professionals.
- Focus on wellness and health-conscious cooking practices.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders during the program.
Course Objectives
The Culinary Arts Program will focus on two core objectives to meet industry needs and student aspirations:
- Providing a High-End Education Experience
The program will offer a hands-on, professional learning environment that delivers cutting-edge culinary techniques. Students will be guided by industry veterans through practical training and theoretical coursework, equipping them with the skills to excel in the culinary world. From mastering traditional culinary foundations to experimenting with modern gastronomy, the curriculum will cover a comprehensive range of industry-relevant topics.
- Educating on Nutritious and Luxurious Food Options
Understanding consumer preferences is key to a successful culinary career. This program will provide students with extensive knowledge of creating meals that meet diverse dietary needs while maintaining a gourmet appeal. Graduates will be skilled in blending art, flavor, and nutrition to craft exceptional dining experiences—whether catering to health-conscious clients or offering indulgent, high-end options.
Key Components of the Program
To align with the program's objectives and purpose, the following elements have been carefully planned:
- State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
The program will feature fully-equipped kitchens and culinary labs, allowing students to engage in hands-on training with industry-leading tools and equipment.
- Industry-Driven Curriculum
From kitchen operations and food safety to advanced techniques in nutrition-based cooking and luxury menu development, the curriculum is designed to mirror modern culinary trends and demands.
- Expert Faculty
The program will be led by a team of seasoned chefs and nutritionists with real-world experience in fine dining, catering, and food science.
- Placement Opportunities
Partnerships with high-end restaurants, hotels, and catering companies across Columbia and beyond will provide students with internships and job placement opportunities.
- Focus on Business and Innovation
Complementary modules in food entrepreneurship and innovation will prepare students to launch their ventures or adapt to dynamic culinary roles.
Course Dates
Culinary Arts Certificate Program | 40 Weeks | 1200 Hours | Daytime Program | Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
2025 CULINARY ARTS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
- June 30, 2025 - April 10, 2026
- August 4, 2025 - May 15, 2026
- September 8, 2025 - June 19, 2026
- October 13, 2025 - July 24, 2026
- November 17, 2025 - August 28, 2026


Interested in our Programs?
Inquire HERE!

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Culinary Arts Certificate Program at Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute, students will be able to:

Execute fundamental cooking techniques including sautéing, roasting, baking, grilling, and knife skills with precision and confidence

Demonstrate knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards in all kitchen operations.

Develop menus that incorporate both creativity and nutritional value, aligning with modern dietary needs and wellness practices.

Manage time, resources, and personnel efficiently in a kitchen setting, adhering to the best practices for workflow and organization.

Produce a variety of culturally and regionally inspired dishes, showcasing a strong understanding of global cooking styles and ingredients.

Create baked goods, including pastries, breads, and desserts, using classical and contemporary methods.

Present dishes with aesthetically pleasing plating techniques that elevate the dining experience.

Assess the flavor, texture, appearance, and presentation of dishes to critique and continually improve culinary creations.
Tuition & Fees
STUDENT agrees to pay the school the tuition and fees for the program selected in advance at the start of the program. The school may, at its option and without notice, prevent student from attending class until any applicable unpaid balance is satisfied. The school may charge a $10.00 transcript fee for requests for transcripts to transfer to another school. The school will charge a registration fee for students transferring to the school and a reentry fee to students who have withdrawn and wish to re enter more than 30 days after termination, of $100.00. The tuition rates current at the time of reentry will apply to the balance of training hours needed for students who re enroll more than 30 days after the formal withdrawal date unless mitigating circumstances apply. The student’s tuition may be paid by cash, check, money order or through Veterans Affairs funds for those who qualify. Textbooks and Kits are supplied the first day of class for all students in attendance. The school must provide to each current student a certified transcript detailing hours obtained, completed, and for which the school has been compensated. The contract must also include: the school will provide the student with a certified transcript of earned hours within ten working days of the student’s withdrawal or graduation provided all contractual agreements have been met.
Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute makes no claim or guarantee that credit earned will transfer to another institution.
- A minimum number of 6 students are required per start date - with a maximum of 15 students per start date. The Culinary Arts Certificate Program start dates will never be moved or changed.
Culinary Arts Certificate Program Cost
Administrative Fee $100.00
Book Fee $700
Kit Fee: $2200
Tuition $25,000
Total Tuition + Fees $28,000
Culinary Arts Certificate Program Syllabus
40 Weeks | 1200 Hours | Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
On-Site 30 Weeks | Externship 10 Weeks
Course Curriculum
Principles of Food Production - 60 Hours
Sanitation and Safety - 60 Hours
Basic Cooking Theory and Practice - 60 Hours
Cooking Theory and Practice- Sauces, Soups, and Stocks - 60 Hours
Meat, Seafood & Poultry Preparation - 60 Hours
Bakeshop Production - 60 Hours
Pastry Arts - 60 Hours
Artisan Bread - 60 Hours
Nutrition - 60 Hours
Western Cuisine - 60 Hours
World Cuisine - 60 Hours
Recipe and Menu Management - 30 Hours
Food Service System Management - 30 Hours
Food Production Management - 30 Hours
Food and Beverage Controls - 30 Hours
Cake Decorating & Finishing Techniques - 60 Hours
Plated Desserts - 60 Hours
Culinary Career Development - 30 Hours
Externship - 300 Hours
FAQ's
Give us a call at 803-814-1772 OR email us at [email protected]
We would be honored to have you for a FACILITY TOUR of our amazing campus!
We are EXCITED to have you at Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute! The FIRST STEP is to schedule a Facility Tour to view our 150,000 square foot campus in Richland County, South Carolina! From there, our amazing Admissions Team will educate you on our active PROGRAMS and assist you towards your dream career!
P.S. Make sure to have a $100 Application Fee ready to go, as well as a copy of your High School Diploma, Transcript, or GED – along with two forms of Government Issued ID. Let’s do this together!
We LOVE providing you with the uniforms you need to SUCCESS within your Student Kit for our LICENSING programs! (If you are attending our certificate courses only, you will provide your own scrubs!) Simply wear professional attire (no jeans) and close-toed shoes on your first day of class – and you will receive your scrubs during your first-day ORIENTATION! Have fun!
For our licensing programs, please bring the following to class on your first day!
- Highlighters, pencils, pens & plenty of paper for taking notes
- Small pencil box for storage of metal implements
- 3-inch wide, 3-ring binder with a front cover insert sleeve
- Medium pencil box for storage of facial brushes and medium-sized implements
- 100 clear, 3-hole sheet protectors
- l Box of 3×4 index cards
- Black, Red, and Blue fine tip permanent markers
We understand that an amazing career begins with the funding options required to take you to the next level! Our Administrative Team is happy to assist you in finding options to suite your specific needs and individual concerns.
Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute is committed to your ultimate success in the beauty, esthetics, and wellness industry – and desires to pave a pathway of excellence in all areas, making your transition into our programs not only stress-free, but the best decision you’ve ever made.
Financial Aid & Enrollment Contact Number: 803-317-2160
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR THE ESTHETICS LICENSURE COURSE, MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM, COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM, AND CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM!
SCHOOL CODE: 042739
FINANCIAL AID OFFICE: 803.814.1772 EXT. 1004
DIRECT LINE: 803-317-2160
SEHW FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute offers a unique Financial Assistance Program to help students pursue their education in the beauty, esthetics, and wellness space. This program aims to make education more accessible and affordable for all, regardless of their financial situation.
Through this program, students are able to make payments as far out as 36 months with no credit checks. This provides a flexible payment plan that allows students to manage their finances and pay for their education at a pace that works best for them. The Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute Financial Assistance Program is specifically designed for students studying in the beauty and wellness, as SEHW believes that this area of study will play a crucial role in shaping our future and making a difference in the lives of others. By providing financial support, SEHW hopes to encourage more students to pursue their passion for beauty and wellness and contribute to the growth of this important field.
In addition to the payment flexibility, SEHW’s Financial Assistance Program also offers various scholarship opportunities for eligible students. These scholarships are aimed at further reducing the financial burden on students and supporting them in achieving their educational goals. SEHW is committed to promoting accessibility and equity in education, and the Financial Assistance Program is just one of the many initiatives taken towards this goal. By providing students with the necessary financial support, SEHW hopes to create a more inclusive and diverse community of exceptional beauty, esthetics, and wellness professionals.
If you are passionate about beauty, esthetics, and wellness and need financial assistance to pursue your education, don’t hesitate to apply for SEHW’s Financial Assistance Program. Together, let’s build a community of wellness professionals that change the world, one client at a time!
The Financial Assistance Program is available for the Nail Technology Program and Advanced Esthetics Academy at Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute!
DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN’S AFFAIRS FUNDING
Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute has been approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education State Approving Agency to offer veterans education and training to veterans and those eligible receiving VA Educational benefits for ALL PROGRAMS!
FEDERAL STUDENT AID
Federal Student Aid is financial aid from the federal government to help you pay for education expenses at an eligible college or career school. Grants, loans and work-study are types of federal student aid. You must complete the FAFSA form to apply for this aid. Federal Student Aid Programs are programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that provide grants, loans and work-study funds from the federal government to eligible students enrolled in college or career school.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR THE ESTHETICS LICENSURE COURSE, MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM, COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM, AND CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM!
College Savings/529 Plans + Voc Rehab Financial Assistance available for Programs.