Enter the Food Service Industry with an Associate Degree in Food Service Retail Management

With an associate degree in Food Service Retail Management, students gain hands-on experience and confidence needed to apply the theory of culinary foundations, business, and human relations. Our program provides experiential learning to gain future employment or advancement in mid-level jobs within the food service, hospitality, and tourism industries.

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Enroll in a Food Service Retail Management Program Designed For You

Blue Ridge CTC’s Food Service Retail Management program is designed by industry experts to give students an opportunity to land successful, well-paying careers in the food service field.

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Are You a New Student?

Set a solid foundation in the food service field with our two-year Associate degree in Food Service and Retail Management. Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.

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Transferring Schools?

You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our Associate of Applied Science in Food Service and Retail Management.

$59,440

Average Salary

For food service managers annually.

41,400

Openings

For the employment of food service managers is projected from 2020 to 2030!

15%

Job Growth

Projected for in-demand roles in the foodservice and retail management industry, 2020-30.

    • The projected percent change in employment of food service managers from 2020 to 2030 is 15%, faster than the average for all occupations.
    • According to BLS, The median annual wage for food service managers was $59,440, preferably with an Associate Degree in Food Service & Retail Management.
    • As per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 41,400 openings for food service managers are projected each year, on average.

Why Earn an Associate Degree in Food Service?

With the Food Service Retail Management Associate Degree, students gain industry-specific knowledge and skills around culinary foundations, leadership activities, customer service, human relations, and small business plans for food service operation.

      • Learn the most in-demand skills required in the industry.
      • Discover a pathway to lucrative positions within the food service, hospitality, and tourism industry.
      • Build a foundation through this degree program to pursue future programs and certifications.

Begin a Rewarding Career With a Food Service Retail Management Associate Degree

Do you have the curiosity and commitment needed to innovate with food? With a degree in Food Service Retail Management, students learn industry-relevant skills for successful execution of premier roles in tourism, hospitality, and similar industries.

During the Associate in Applied Science in Food Service Retail Management program, students experience practical and industry-led course modules wherein they analyze, innovate, and collaborate in the culinary industry. Students learn essentials related to nutrition, safety, origins of food, food costing, product efficiency and more.

Earn this degree from our School of Workforce Development and Engineering Technologies.

2-year

Degree Program

Formats

On-campus, Hybrid

60

Credit Hours

Ready to Enroll?

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What Will You Learn - Curriculum Overview

An associate degree in Food Service Retail Management allows students experience a comprehensive curriculum and practical experience to gain leadership, critical thinking, customer service, and human relationship management skills.

Our degree nurtures students with advanced knowledge in core areas like measuring and portioning, food history, food costing, product efficiency, culinary artistry, safety and sanitation, origins of food, and more. Students will also assist in the maintenance of a functional retail operation to prepare for real jobs. The curriculum helps students:

    • Identify and describe procedures and techniques for controlling food costs.
    • Learn customer service skills, team building, and communication skills.
    • Nurture the right attitude of a professional to enter the workforce.
    • Learn to construct a business plan for a food service operation.

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Build Your Future With Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC offers a holistic, industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.

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    4000+

    Students Per Semester

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    60+

    Degree & Certificate Programs

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    14:1

    Student-Faculty Ratio

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    Fully

    Accredited

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What You Experience at Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC acts as a catalyst to career goals, gives students exposure to real-time career prospects, and provides a learning environment supporting personal and professional growth.

World-class Pedagogy That Shapes Future Leaders!

Effective faculty is the backbone of any school. Our faculty are committed teachers and scholars who:

Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.

Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.

Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.

Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.

Student Support Services and Spaces for Balanced Learning!

We provide comprehensive Student Support Services to promote student success.

Student Services provides a variety of support, including tutoring, accessibility accommodations, and more!

We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.

We recognize talent and celebrate their performance with awards and acknowledgments.

We have supportive staff to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.

Placement Assistance to Nurture Careers!

We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:

Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.

Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.

With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.

Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.

Promoting Equity to Develop an Intercultural College Environment!

As a community of students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, we strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campuses, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Campus diversity encourages open dialogue on campus.

Equity removes barriers and ensures equal opportunities are afforded to all.

Our campus offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where all are valued, celebrated, and included.

The campus community promotes diversity and inclusion through a variety of speakers and events.

Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities

We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating

We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.

We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.

We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.

Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.

Our Learner’s Voice!

Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!

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Worried About Paying for College? Many Options Exist for Financial Aid.

Blue Ridge CTC provides need-based financial aid to qualified applicants, ensuring all students have equal access to quality education.

Whether you are a student worrying about tuition fees or are a parent assisting a child paying for college, we have a wide variety of financial resources available.

    • State and Federal Grant Programs
    • Student Work-Study Opportunities
    • Student Loans
    • Special Grant Funding Opportunities
    • Blue Ridge CTC Foundation Scholarship opportunities

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Have Questions? Talk With an Admissions Counselor Today!

Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College help students navigate career paths throughout their academic career.

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Expand Your Choices

Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Doubts About Food Service Retail Management Associate Degree? We can help!

With Blue Ridge CTC’s Food Service Retail Management associate degree, students work toward a rewarding career in just two-years. Our curriculum includes content-specific knowledge and hands-on training to prepare for the future workforce.
Admission requirements for Blue Ridge CTC’s associate degree in Food Service Retail Management include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts. There is also a $25 application fee that can be paid at any time after submitting the application.
Blue Ridge CTC’s associate degree in Food Service Retail Management does not require ACT or SAT scores to qualify for admission to the program. Students may need ACT or SAT scores, or free placement testing to qualify for courses such as English, Math, or Chemistry. Placement testing can be scheduled at any time during the application process.
The Food Service Retail Management associate degree program provides advanced knowledge and industry-specific skills through a well-designed curriculum that lets you:
  • Demonstrate an organized and sanitary workstation.
  • Demonstrate accurate measuring and portioning.
  • Identify and describe procedures and techniques for controlling food costs.
  • Demonstrate accurately sized knife cuts.
  • Demonstrate how to handle and operate knives and kitchen equipment safely.
  • Practice team building and communication.
  • Identify ingredients.
  • Follow standardized recipes and production procedures.
  • Identify and execute cooking methods.
  • Demonstrate professionalism (clean and complete uniform, on time, good attitude, respectful).

When selecting a program, be sure to review:

  • Institutional accreditation by recognized authorities
  • Qualified faculty and industry-driven learning delivery
  • Job prospects and placement assistance
  • Financial aid available to qualified applicants.
With an associate degree in Food Service Retail Management, you will be eligible to work in various roles including Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef, Catering Manager, Beverage Manager, Food and Beverage Director, Restaurant General Manager, and more.

Disclaimer

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.

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