This program option speaks directly to the Auburn Mission, in that it is designed to service the educational needs of those citizens/students looking to advance their careers in the broad hospitality industry, and culinary fields in particular. Culinary Science is designed to attract students pursuing careers in the commercial, and non-commercial food production and service industry. As is the case both nationally and globally, the culinary field now makes a significant contribution to the socio-economic wellbeing of the state of Alabama and the nation. Interest in the culinary field has continued to grow at an enormous pace with culinary professionals now needed not just in hotel dining facilities and traditional restaurants, but in a variety of settings including the public and private sector, consumer oriented and institutional. This study option is designed to position Auburn University to keep pace with this vital economic contributor by educating the trained professionals needed to meet the continuing demands of the state's and nation's ever developing hospitality industry. The program will underscore the importance of local and sustainable food systems as a means of educating and preparing graduates that will make a meaningful contribution to our planet, industry and global society's long term future. In so doing it will concentrate on the technical proficiency, scientific rigor and managerial know how needed to make this contribution.