Culinary Arts Degree
at Nōssi College of Art & Design
Earn your Associate in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts degree
Why study Culinary Arts at Nōssi?
Nōssi is right for you if you're ready to focus on professional skill development from day one — and prefer personal mentorship over large lecture halls.
Get trained in two commercial kitchens
Two professional-grade commercial kitchens with industry-standard equipment. Our culinary school in Nashville prepares you with hands-on experience using the same tools you'll use in professional kitchens.
Small classes mean personal mentorship: With just X-X students per class, working chefs know your name, your strengths, and your career goals from day one.
Learn from working Nashville chefs
Faculty are active culinary professionals: Chef Russell Ransom leads a department of working chefs who bring their day-to-day kitchen experiences directly to your education.
Build relationships with Nashville's food scene while you're still in school. Graduate with a network, not just a degree.
Build business and leadership skills
Learn restaurant operations, menu planning, and financial management alongside culinary techniques. Graduate with business skills alongside culinary techniques.
Real client work through required internships: Work with Nashville restaurants or catering companies while you're still a student. Graduate with professional experience that strengthens your resume.
Financial aid available
Merit scholarships, federal aid, and payment plans make Nōssi affordable. Schedule your tour today to discuss your options with financial aid advisors.
Don’t wait: Classes are filling now!
Your accelerated path to culinary expertise
Our culinary arts degree program provides hands-on experience in two commercial kitchens, personalized mentoring from industry professionals, and the chance to participate in real-world projects.
Enrolling at Nōssi College of Art & Design develops practical skills valued in culinary arts.
3 ways we build essential culinary skills
Build skills faster: Complete your Associate Degree in just 2 years (24 months). While others spend 4 years in school, you'll be career-ready sooner.
Explore all aspects of professional cooking: From knife skills to cost control, from classical French to international cuisine. Graduate with comprehensive skills that make you valuable to any kitchen.
Excel with the Nōssi AI Model. Learn culinary fundamentals first, then master strategic use of AI to enhance aspects of your culinary career.
The Nōssi AI Approach
Use technology like a creative professional
Develop critical thinking and fundamental skills first
Graduate equipped to support creative teams
Culinary Arts classes are filling now!
Learn more about the Culinary Arts Degree at Nōssi
Every culinary arts course at Nōssi in Nashville builds toward your future career
Culinary Arts program path — your path may vary.
Example general education courses
SS 104 - Success Strategies
EN 270 - English
MA 300 - Contemporary Math
75 curriculum hours total, plus required internships and our available PACE program, which add real client work to build your professional portfolio.
Learn from working culinary professionals
Your Nōssi culinary instructors are active Nashville chefs and food service professionals who bring current industry experience directly into your classroom.
Chef Russell Ransom MBA
Culinary Arts Chair
Russell Ransom is a seasoned Culinary Arts Instructor with a diverse background in the culinary industry. From early experiences in his grandma’s kitchen to influential roles in top establishments, Russell’s culinary journey is both inspiring and flavorful.
A graduate of The Art Institute of Washington, DC, Russell has worked in various capacities, including catering, private chef services, and as an Executive Sous Chef at The Daily Dish. With a relocation to Nashville, he contributed to the opening of Omni Resort Hotel and served as the Executive Chef at The Mount Pleasant Grille.
Russell’s expertise spans catering, restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturing. As a former instructor at the Art Institute of Nashville and Nashville State Community College, he now brings his knowledge to Nossi College of Art and Design.
Armed with an MBA from Strayer University, Russell is excited to share his passion and culinary skills. Join him at Nossi for a gastronomic adventure filled with great food and culinary tricks. Explore the world of culinary arts with Russell Ransom!
Student portfolio showcase
Our culinary creative leaders build portfolios that get them hired. From classical French techniques to modern plating, these projects demonstrate the skills and creativity that employers want.
Career opportunities with a Culinary Arts degree
Nōssi Culinary graduates will have the education to pursue a wide variety of culinary positions.
Career paths for culinary graduates:
- Executive Chef
- Sous Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Line Cook
- Catering Manager
- Full-Service Kitchen Manager
- Banquet Manager
- Food Service Director
- Culinary Production Manager
- Food Stylist
- Private/Personal Chef
- Restaurant Manager
- Restaurant Purchaser
Career paths represent potential opportunities. Individual outcomes vary based on skills, experience, and market conditions.
The next step is easy
Spring 2026 applications are open, and our small classes fill quickly. Next steps:
- Tour our design labs and see where you'll create
- Meet our team and get your questions answered personally
- Apply! We're accepting applications now
Scholarships and financial aid available. Don't let cost keep you from your creative dreams.
Take 1 minute and start the application process:
Accepting Students for All Programs for Spring | Summer 2026
Save your spot and start the process now!
Connect with Nossi below to learn more.
Nōssi provides education and training; employment outcomes depend on individual effort and market conditions.