Jefferson State’s Culinary & Hospitality Institute—the longest-running accredited program of its kind in Alabama—is now offering a new degree option: Catering and Event Planning.
Courses in this new degree option will begin in Fall 2025, and advising/registration is available now.
This path is ideal for students interested in planning events from the hospitality perspective, with studies including catering requirements, writing business plans, designing personalized menus, and the logistics of entertainment.
“In recent years, there has been a significant rise in student interest in launching catering and food truck businesses,” said Jefferson State Program Director Todd Jackson. “Both industries have experienced steady growth, and our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in these fields.”
With support from the JSCC administration and the Culinary Advisory Board, feasibility of the new degree option was studied, and course offerings from the Alabama Community College System were reviewed, Jackson noted.
“We also researched similar programs at other institutions and found that while event planning options existed, none offered a dedicated focus on catering and event planning combined—making our program a unique offering in the region,” he said.
In addition to a degree, short and advanced certificates are also available in this option of study.
The Culinary & Hospitality Institute at Jefferson State offers four degree options: Culinary/Nutrition Science, Culinary Apprenticeship, Baking and Pastry, and the newly introduced Catering and Event Planning.
The previously existing programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission.
For more information, visit jeffersonstate.edu/CHI, email [email protected], or contact Chef Todd Jackson at (205) 983-5213 or [email protected].
