Updated: Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

The Oregon Culinary Institute has announced it will begin offering college degree programs for individuals pursuing business careers in food service management.

Beginning in December, culinary students at the school will be able to begin earning associates degrees in culinary, baking and pastry as well as restaurant management.

All programs were developed and will be overseen by Ray Colvin, the school's director. Colvin called upon his experience as a senior restaurant manager and regional vice president for the Piatti Restaurant Group, McCormick and Schmick's Management Group and the Holland Corporation to design the new curricula.

Students who enroll in these programs will also be required to complete an off-campus externship at one of the school's approved industry properties.

Eric Stromquist, the institute's campus president, said the programs were developed in response to their students' "desire to learn the business side of restaurants."

Individuals wishing to launch or accelerate management careers in the hospitality industry may enroll in similar associates, bachelors or masters programs to enhance their qualifications. Opportunities for food and service managers, whose average earnings were $43,020 in May 2006, are expected to grow by 5 percent over the next seven years.

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