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What is Culinary Arts?
A culinary arts school provides students with a platform to study that provides individuals with skills and knowledge in the various aspects of cooking, baking, and other forms of food preparation. The term culinary arts are an umbrella under which the many varieties of and specializations are found under, such as chef, baker, restaurant manager, line cook and others. Individuals working in the culinary arts work closely with food and must abide by health standards put forth by the government for the preparation and serving of food. Culinary arts is a very large field that allows for exceptional variety in one's work choices.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
3,190,940Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Culinary Arts Schools
The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI) in Portland, OR, is an academic institution whose mission is to produce individuals that are professionals in their field, and to equip their learners with the necessary 21st century skills needed for postsecondary training, the workforce, or the military. CPI offers a Culinary Arts/Food Beverage Management program wherein individuals can obtain their ServeSafe Food Protection Manager Certification while receiving focused learning on the major areas of cooking, baking, sanitation, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. There is also the Culinary Arts Diploma program, which has a curriculum rich with specialized learning units that tackle the theory and practical experience needed in the culinary world. Learners in this course will also be eligible to take the ServSafe certification exam.
Acceptance Rate
89.77
Tuition
$15,340 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Bidwell Training Center is located in Pittsburgh, PA, and prides themselves in offering career training and education to adults in transition. Funded by the State of Pennsylvania, generous benefactors, and private foundations, Bidwell Training Center’s Culinary Arts degree program allows for an enriching experiential experience for individuals who wish to pursue a career in the food service industry. Learners will be taken into the nuances of the culinary world, learning the fundamentals of food service, sanitation, and necessary skills that are needed in the kitchen. This program is highly hands-on, and the teacher to student ratio is 10:1 to provide a more streamlined experience. Graduates of this course will be more than qualified to handle numerous careers in the various industries of culinary service such as restaurants, educational institutions, tourism, and more.
Acceptance Rate
88.52
Tuition
$12,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
AESCA - Austin operates as a less than two-year career college dedicated to offering a sound education for students located in and around Austin. Over the previous several years Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Austin granted degrees to more than fifty students with around 53% of those who start the program continuing on to complete it. AESCA - Austin offers several programs to choose from. The more popular programs are listed below:
- Baking And Pastry
- Culinary Arts
To support students and graduates, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Austin may offer services including:
- Weekend and night classes available
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assisting students to find work
This school has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education since 2002. To see more and get consumer disclosures, please visit escoffier.edu.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,260 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
The College of the Ozarks is a Christian, coeducational institution that is established in Point Lookout, MO. Imbibed in their culture is a goal to produce Christ-like, patriotic, and most of all, hard-working individuals who exude passion into whatever career they choose. The college offers its students the possibility of majoring or minoring in their Culinary Arts program. Those who wish to become a Culinary Arts Major will study 53 credit hours of the course’s multi-disciplinary and specialized subjects, with an advantage of learning in the college’s learning laboratory environment. For individuals who want to additionally enroll in a Culinary Arts Minor, they will be required to do 18 credit hours for the course, with one culinary elective.
Acceptance Rate
10.26
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
San Diego Culinary Institute is a less than 2-year private school dedicated to providing a solid education for students located in and around San Diego. Based on recent program completion reports gathered, over 160 students graduated. San Diego Culinary Institute offers several programs to choose from. Here are the more popular programs offered:
- Culinary Arts
- Baking And Pastry
To help support students, San Diego Culinary Institute may offer support services including:
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training has accredited the education provided by San Diego Culinary Institute for over five straight years. To read more and get consumer disclosures, please visit sdci-inc.com.
Acceptance Rate
68.52
Tuition
$21,660 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Interested in a career-focused college with a wide range of technical programs and a convenient campus near you? Then Institute of Technology is the perfect educational experience for you. We'll help you launch a new future of real opportunities.
Since 2004, we have been fulfilling our vision to be the premier provider of postsecondary education in the western U.S., measured by student satisfaction and focused educations that lead to valued careers. Our exciting list of career training programs includes education for the fields of allied health, network technology, computer technology, computerized accounting, web/graphic design, culinary arts, and more. Our class schedules are flexible, and our instructors provide classroom instruction balanced with ample hands-on training.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$31,935 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
The Lex La - Ray Technical Center is located in Lexington, Missouri, a city of 4,726. As a small city, most who live in Lexington are used to the small town life of rural America. Lexington is known for maintaining much of the 1800s style architecture in the town buildings.
In 2012, tuition at the Lex La - Ray Technical Center cost $10,979, and enrollment was 38 students. As a vocational school, it provides services to both adults and high school students who are looking for technical skills to improve their careers. Here are some of the programs that the center offers to its students:
- Agriculture Education
- Automotive Technology
- Building Trades and Cabinet Making
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Maintenance and Networking
- Early Childhood Education
- Health Occupations (including Practical Nursing)
- Industrial Welding
The Lex La – Ray Technical Center believes in hands on training, and that is why their students graduate with the skills needed in order to become useful and valuable members of the workforce. For adults, registration for admissions is completed through an online form.
Acceptance Rate
56.25
Tuition
$13,782 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
3:1
Are you looking for a career in demand? Then nursing is an outstanding option. The Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center offers an outstanding program in nursing. The school is located in Plattsburgh, New York. Currently, the medium salary for nurses is $64,690. Not to mention that you will help people while earning a good salary. The cost of tuition is $9,950.
The program requires 1160 hours of study and is accredited. This program has an articulation agreement with North Country Community College for those wishing to continue their educational advancement to a Registered Nursing degree.
In order to apply for admission, students must:
- Complete the standard application
- Take entrance examination (TEAS)
- Selected applicants will be invited for an on-campus interview
- Send in official high school transcript
Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center offers small class sizes. This allows future nurses to get the hands on experience they need. Students will also take part in clinical experiences to ensure they have the skills needed to enter the workforce. Nursing is a rewarding career that has a lot to offer.
Prospective students can contact the school at (518) 561-0100, Ext. 241 for further information.
Acceptance Rate
27.88
Tuition
$10,607 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
2:1
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts operates as a less than 2-year career school, which offers training and education opportunities for its students located in and around Boulder. Over the previous several years Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has awarded degrees to more than 150 students. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has several great programs to select from. The more popular programs are shown below:
- Culinary Arts
- Baking And Pastry
To help support students, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts may provide services like those listed below:
- Night and weekend classes available
- Career path counseling
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training has accredited the program courses of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts for over eleven straight years. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about classes offered, tuition, and disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,745 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
36:1
For those living in the Midwest and looking to start a new career, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (CGCTC) is probably one of the places you want to start looking. Located in Cape, Girardeau, Missouri, a middle sized town of about 38,000 people, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center has garnered a reputation for producing high quality graduates who know how to go out into the workforce and get jobs. Cape Girardeau is a great place to do it too, since the region has seen growth in between censuses and technical trade employment has been increasing throughout the city. The city is the site of many historical landmarks, many that have to do with Native Americans and their relationship with early American settlers of the land.
In 2012, tuition at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center was $13,194, and enrollment was at 195 students. The center has a very solid retention rate of 77%, and with open admissions students can apply and get in as long as there are open spots available. There are plenty of very talented instructors at the center, and the school offers a wide variety of programs to choose from. Here are some of those programs:
- Auto Tech
- Computer Programming
- Business
- Radio/TV
- Marketing
- Nursing
With the growing city of Cape Girardeau as the backdrop and bigger metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Memphis only a short drive away, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is a great choice for those who are looking to build their skills for a career. Financial aid is available from grants, scholarships, and loans from the federal government.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$8,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Overview
The Carver Career and Technical Center located in Charleston, West Virginia provides post secondary education, college courses, and career education programs. Occupational training is offered in the following areas:
- Automotive Technology
- Business Technology
- HVAC Technology
- Plumbing Technology
- Construction Technology
- Collisions Repair Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Health Occupations Science Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Pharmacy Technician
- Respiratory Care
- Veterinarian Technician
- Agriscience
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Drafting
- Industrial Fire Management
- Legal Administrative Assistant
- Manicuring
- Welding
- Event Planning and Design Production
CCTC offers a Career Plus program which is designed to assist former high school students in acquiring their diploma. CCTC services also include:
- Career Counseling
- Interview Training
- Special Needs Coordination
- On the Job Training
- Resume Preparation Training
- Clinical Training
Admission Process
The admission process for entry into a training program offered by CCTC requires a high school diploma. Students may apply by downloading an application from the school website. Financial aid is available for students in need of tuition assistance. CCTC provides Job Placement Assistance for students who have successful completed a training program.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,653 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Drexel University prides itself in its experiential approach to learning with an emphasis on values that promote social responsibility and professionalism. Located in Philadelphia, PA, the university also offers a unique take on the culinary arts with its program in BS in Culinary Arts and Science, located in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. The course covers a combination of culinary and scientific expertise, taught by experienced food scientists. Learners in this course will be introduced to gastronomy, food studies and food systems, safety and sanitation, sensory science, product and recipe development, community nutrition, and sustainability. This course is a four-year program with one six-month co-op experience, wherein learners are exposed to real-world situations that allow them to practice their learned skills and techniques.
Acceptance Rate
74.7
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Monroe College located in Bronx, NY, is an advocate for establishing a career-focused curriculum in its programs, by providing its students with opportunities to have on-the-job experiences in their chosen career field. Monroe College’s professors are experienced and dedicated educators that are committed to teaching individuals the skills that are needed to excel in their chosen field. Among Monroe's various undergraduate programs, they offer associate degrees in Culinary Arts and in Baking and Pastry. Monroe’s Culinary Arts program prepares its learners for a promising career in the food service industry by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed in all aspects of the restaurant business, such as food preparation, safety, and nutrition. Their Baking and Pastry program is more concentrated on teaching individuals that wish to specialize in this specific niche, allowing them to be more involved in the intricacies of pastry making, food handling, cost control, and food purchasing.
Acceptance Rate
47.99
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - McMinnville first opened its doors in May 1966 as part of the Tennessee Technical Center Systems. The school offers premier technical education to local students in McMinnville in Tennessee. Aside from empowering young students to become competitive human resource in the future, TTC-McMinnville also offers training programs to employees who want to improve and update their skills at work.
The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and it is also a member of the Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. This is to ensure that the programs of the school are offered using professional instructions and are only taught by highly qualified staff to ensure that students undergo rigorous training to become competitive individuals as soon as they graduate from their respective programs.
There are different programs offered in TTC-McMinnville and these include automotive technology, business systems technology, computer information technology, culinary arts, electronics technology, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology, medical assistant, practical nursing, technology foundations and welding technology. Moreover, the school also offers part-time and online programs to students who do not have the liberty to attend to the formal classroom instructions in TTC-McMinnville campus.
As part of the Tennessee Technical Center Systems, TTC-McMinnville is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents thus the tuition fee rate in TTC-McMinnville is also the same with other campuses. Students are required to pay $183 per credit hour as well as other fees per semester.
On the other hand, students who wish to proceed to a community college or state university to pursue higher education can take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway which is partnered by schools such as Columbia State Community College, Dyersburg Community College and the Jackson Community College.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,248 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Immokalee Technical Center, located in Immokalee, Florida, is a technical college that offers a variety of vocational certificates to their students. They also offer the opportunity for adults to earn their GED, as well as various opportunities for students to participate in programs that have business store fronts.
Immokalee Technical Center offers students the opportunity to earn vocational certificates in medical billing, digital media, early childhood education, cosmetology, nurses assisting, architectural drafting, accounting, and many more.
iTECH offers the unique opportunity for students to earn their vocational certificate by working in one of many institution-owned and operated storefronts. iTECH owns a cyber café, a restaurant, a medical office, an automotive center, and a cosmetology center. This opportunity lets students earn their certificates in a fun, hands-on setting while learning more about customer service, retail work, and real life jobs.
Immokalee Technical Center also offers a state-of-the-art GED program that assists adults in obtaining a high school degree equivalent, while getting them ready to begin college or technical school. Florida state certified teachers help prepare adults to take the GED exam and walk them through the testing process, as well.
iTECH is a fully accredited technical center in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Federal Pell grants are extended to those students who apply and qualify. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify.
If you are interested in applying at Immokalee Technical Center, or if you would like to learn more about the many programs of study offered there, click here to access their official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,391 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Louisiana Culinary Institute (LCI) in Baton Rouge, LA, employs a comprehensive and challenging curriculum in the culinary arts, taught by experienced professionals in various fields. LCI offers an AOS in Culinary Arts - Advanced Culinary Arts program, which trains its learners in the knowledge and skills of restaurant management, sanitation, professional cooking, and the fundamental principles of baking breads and pastries. The university also offers an AOS in Culinary Arts - Advanced Baking & Pastry program, which earns individuals a degree in the culinary arts but with a focus on advanced baking and pastry. This program includes classes in food sanitation, restaurant production, hospitality, and the intricate processes in artisanal baking and dessert making. Graduates of either course will be able to obtain careers as food stylists, personal chefs, caterers, craft pastries, and more professional positions in the culinary and baking industry.
Acceptance Rate
50
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) located in Hyde Park, NY, offers numerous degrees, certificate programs, and courses in the broad field of culinary service and management. A private, non-profit organization, CIA’s Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Science degree program, Associate in Culinary Arts degree program, and their Associate in Baking and Pastry Arts degree program, are three of their programs that will allow aspiring leaders in the food service industry to develop a deeper understanding in the manipulation, preservation, preparation, and presentation of food in different cuisines. In obtaining CIA’s Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Science, one will become familiar with the science behind food and beverage products, allowing you to be able to dabble in the manufacturing of new food technology that can infiltrate the market. Their Associate in Culinary Arts degree program allows for learners to have hands-on experience in preparing meals that cater to a global palette. Lastly, CIA’s Associate in Baking and Pastry Arts degree program teaches individuals intricate pastry techniques through experiential learning, as well as educating them on the business aspect of owning a bakery.
Acceptance Rate
97.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
The Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers an outstanding education. Job specific courses are offered as well as academic courses. The institute is located in sunny Naples, Florida. Tuition runs from $3,500 to $9,000 depending on the program of study, which is lower than most schools that offer technical training. The center was started in 1974 and originally offered 13 programs to over 300 students. The school’s name was changed in 1988 to the James Lorenzo Walker Vocational Technical Center. James Walker played a key role in establishing the school. Finally, the name of the school was altered to the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. The institute is fully accredited. Individuals looking for career training have a lot of options at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. Courses are offered in Accounting Operations, Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision and Repairing and Refinishing, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nursing, Child Care Center Operations, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, surgical technology, Cosmetology, nails specialty, Drafting, multimedia design, ELCATE, Facial Specialist, and Licensed Practical Nurse. Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers many outstanding services. Child care is offered as well as help for students with disabilities. Career counseling, tutoring, test accommodations, and help with state exams is available for individuals with disabilities. Job placement is offered and helps employers and students connect with each other. The advisor works with instructors to offer employment opportunities that meet the needs of the students. The schools employment advisor helps with job placement, but job placement cannot be guaranteed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,242 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in Loch Sheldrake, NY, is a premier regional college of technology that pays utmost consideration in upholding their core values of respect, integrity, service, and dedication. The college has an AOS Culinary Arts program, a course that trains its students in the fundamental and advanced techniques for the culinary arts, as well as grow their entrepreneurial skills in the food business. Additionally, individuals will be able to earn their manager sanitation certification from the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association, and get a direct entry into the technology management BBA degree program. There is also the Culinary Arts: Baking, Production & Management program, a 1,350-hour course of hands-on production work, with a high concentration on bakery training. Learners in this course will also earn their sanitation certification and be able to experience what working in a full production line is like.
Acceptance Rate
66.74
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
With the goal to serve the citizens of the Marion County, Community Technical and Adult Education offers high quality academic and social opportunities for students. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with a campus located at 1014 SW 7th road, Ocala, FL 34471. Since its inception in 1974, this school has been providing diverse educational opportunities and services to the students. It offers customized training under the Community Technical and Education programs designed in line with constantly changing technology and global market. These programs are the only provider of GED and high school diploma across the Marion County. This school’s Career and Technical Programs include Allied health, Business Management and Administration, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Education and Training, Grooming and Salon Services, Industrial, Public Service and Veterinary Assisting while the Business and Office Technology, Firefighting/EMT and Special Interest Courses are under the Continuing Workforce/ Recreational Classes. CTAE also offers Young Parent Program, English as a Second Language Classes, Employment Solutions and Custom Corporate Training. CTAE is proud to achieve 90% and above certification passing rates and high job placement rate in many of its programs. This school guides students to the right direction whether they are bound to start or upgrade a career or pursue higher education. It fosters an environment that encourages lifelong learning and creates a strong foundation for success. Registration and Fees http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs/pdfs/Registration_Fees.pdf Course Catalog http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs//pdfs/CourseCatalog.pdf
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,055 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
About
Manatee Technical Institute, located Bradenton, Florida, is a public school established with the purpose to provide technical education and training to residents of Manatee county. The school enrolls both high school aged and adult students, with high school students receiving education for free. All programs at the school are fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS).
Academics
Individuals may pursue career training through a variety of programs available. Students will choose the program, followed by receiving training and education in that field that will allow for employment upon completion. Programs will have practical components that are taught by industry professionals who provide supervision and a safe learning environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete based on the level of education and complexity of the field.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at MTI may do so through the submission of a completed application and payment of fees. Payment will vary based on the type of enrollment and program chosen, and as mentioned above, high school students will be able to enroll free of charge. Applicants are asked to meet with a counselor, take the Test of Adult Basic Education, apply for aid, and meet with their future instructors. Financial aid is applied for through the completion and submission of a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the school to determine which grants, loans and scholarships the student is eligible for when constructing an aid packet.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,332 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Smithfield, RI, is a nonprofit, higher learning institution that has a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and course offerings that span several academic disciplines, available in an on-campus, online, or hybrid format. At their College of Food Innovation & Technology, one can enroll in their Culinary Arts (AS) program or their Culinary Arts (BS) program, both of which focuses on the fundamental techniques and principles of food preparation and financial management. JWU also offers the Baking & Pastry Arts (AS) and the Baking & Pastry Arts (BS) program, which allows learners to develop their skills in devising unique dessert menus that involve intricate processes in creating artisan breads and specialty pastries while learning how to implement effective cost controls and practice food management and safety.
Acceptance Rate
92.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Pittsburgh, PA, highly prioritizes imbuing traits of professionalism and civic responsibility in all of its learners as they pursue their chosen academic careers. Walnut Hill College’s Culinary Arts program focuses on equipping its students with the fundamental techniques in cooking and baking, as well as educating them on other academic courses such as nutrition, cost accounting, and concept development. The school also offers a Pastry Arts program, which has a curriculum that is based on introductory-level courses that concentrate on the specialized aspects of baking, such as artisanal breads, cake baking and decorating, the art of the chocolatier, and fine dessert plating.
Acceptance Rate
97.84
Student to Faculty Ratio
21:1
Columbia College operates as a 2-year private career school, which offers training and education opportunities for its students located in and around Fairfax. In the previous year, over sixty students were awarded degrees with around 72% of those who start the program complete it. Columbia College has several programs to choose from. Here are the more popular programs offered:
- English
- Massage Therapy
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Computer Science
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Academic counseling for students
- Work study style employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$9,940 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
About
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center, located in La Puente, California, is a public institution that provides education opportunities at the pre and post secondary education levels. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is seeking further accreditation from the Council of Occupational Education for training programs.
Academics
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center offers a variety of programs that allow adults to seek various education opportunities. Individuals may pursue an education that allows them to complete a high school level degree or they may pursue one of the many career oriented programs available at the center. Career training programs allow individuals to receive the skills and education necessary to begin a career in a given field or industry, and to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. In addition the school also provides english as a second language courses.
Programs offered include:
Bookkeeping
Pharmacy Technician
Nursing
Cosmetology
Welding
Admissions and Financial Aid
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center admits any individuals who wish to enroll as long as they are eighteen years of age or older. Individuals interested in enrollment should determine the program they wish to enroll in and to complete the application for admission, after which fees for the school must be paid. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, which must be applied for through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,300 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
32:1
Top Culinary Degrees
Below you will find an overview of the degree and certificate programs available in culinary arts. The summary is intended to help you perform research more efficiently in your quest to earn a degree or advance in the field. The programs offered from culinary art schools include certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees in culinary arts.
Certificate Programs in Culinary Arts
A certificate in culinary arts and a diploma is culinary arts are programs designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in cooking. In fact, students will spend substantive time in commercial kitchens learning how to prepare, cook, and serve food of all kinds. This hands-on learning from culinary schools coupled with classroom-based lectures blends academic and pragmatic to help learn and retain information.
It is important to understand the span of programs involved in culinary arts certificate programs and diploma programs via arts schools. More specifically, some schools offer programs that last a few weeks that teach a specific trade or discipline within the culinary arts; meanwhile, others are more comprehensive lasting a year or more depending on how many credits or hours are earned at a given time.
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
An associate degree in culinary arts is a two-year program and is conferred as an Associates of Arts (AA) at most accredited culinary schools. Some schools offer a general culinary arts degree track while other schools allow students to select an area of specialty such as business management, food service management, nutrition, or entrepreneurship. Classes at the associate degree program in culinary arts joins liberal arts classes such as communications, philosophy, and English with core cooking classes.
The core curriculum curated by cooking schools can include classes that may include cooking science, international cuisines, beverages, classical cuisines, and cooking in a global marketplace. Students with an AA degree in culinary arts can launch a variety of careers in myriad industries that may include jobs such as: brewmaster, private chef, food service manager, chef dietician, sommelier, executive chef, product development chef, hospital chef, sports nutritionist, spa chef, nutrition educator, catering chef, private dining chef, corporate chef, wellness manager, and weight loss specialist.
Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts
A bachelors degree in culinary arts is a 4-year program conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) depending on the schools design and program emphasis. Bachelor's degrees provide students with additional liberal arts classes and more core cooking & kitchen management classes compared to an associate degree. Students enrolled in a schools bachelor degree programwill have more business management classes such as marketing and operations management blended with science-rich classes like chemistry and nutrition to provide students with a broad-based education and a set of holistic thinking skills to think more completely about the world around them.
Classes offered by colleges in culinary arts can be specialized classes in a specific trade or more focused on general principles. Specific classes for future chef's can include knife skills, food safety, ingredient pairing, palate development, product identification, meat fabrication, meat classification, soups, reductions, bisques, grand sauces, compound sauces, emulsified sauces, dry-heat cooking, breakfast specialties, dressings & vinaigrettes, international cuisines, pastries, tarts, confections, contemporary desserts, and an externship with an approved institution.
Students earning a BS or BA degree in culinary arts from any of the top ranked schools listed above are equipped to start careers in many capacities. Examples of career paths in cooking arts include catering, restaurant management, private chef specialist, nutrition, teacher, head cook, food therapist, or food service management in a variety of capacities.
Culinary School Colleges Requirements for a Chef
You will find various college types when researching culinary art schools. Some art schools are large while others are small. Some can be a suburban campus setting while others offer an urban campus setting. In either case, the training culinary arts can be top-notch chef training culinary for students in line with national tuition cost numbers.
Obtaining a degree from culinary arts schools requires culinary skills plus an understanding of a variety of techniques for cooking, knowledge of cuisines, and how the food business operates. Some programs may have externship programs to assist students in obtaining practical experience in a real-world setting. Those interested in pursuing a degree in culinary arts can choose to go to a culinary school, vocational school, community college, or four-year institution.
Various topics will be covered in a culinary arts education, including:
- International Cuisine
- Business and Finance
- Nutrition
- Sauces, Soups and Starches
- Butchery
Many schools offer career placement along with their culinary arts program to assist students in finding work after graduation. Some schools may have agreements with established restaurants or kitchens and offer practical internship opportunities alongside their more structured education. Aspiring chefs will do well to take advantage of any opportunities or contacts that may become available through their culinary arts program.
Chef Specialties in Cooking Arts
Employment in the Culinary Niche
An individual seeking a career in the culinary arts can have many opportunities available based on skill and experience. An individual can choose to specialize in certain foods, or focus more on operations, or even food development. Individuals will have to maintain cleanliness in the workplace, following the safety laws and restaurant policy. Individuals in managerial positions will be responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly and be responsible for customer service. The types of jobs available vary wildly, and more experienced individuals with a strong background in culinary arts may choose to eventually pursue their own restaurant.
What Can I Do with a Culinary Arts Degree?
Given the sheer number of disciplines within the culinary arts, there are dozens upon dozens of career options available to choose from in the industry. From private companies to public institutions and non-profit organizations to entrepreneurial ventures, the jobs within the culinary arts are often limited by your imagination. A list of the most common jobs a student can expect to land after earning a degree in culinary arts include:
- Teacher
- Chef
- Head Cook
- Sous Chef
- Food Preparation Manager
- Dietetic Technician
- Private Cook/Private Chef
- Food Therapist
- Brewmaster
- Private Chef
- Nutrition Educator
- Catering Chef
- Food Service Manager
- Corporate Chef
- Wellness Manager
- Chef Dietician
- Sommelier
- Executive Chef
- Product Development Chef
- Hospital Chef
- Sports Nutritionist
- Spa Chef
- Private Dining Chef
- Weight Loss Specialist
- Hotel Manager
- Cooking Assistant
- Restaurant Manager
- Food Scientist
- Line Cook
Job Growth & Career Outlook in Culinary Arts
Culinary arts is a growing field and job opportunities are plentiful and varied. The evolution of food and internet technology is only additive to phone calls to providers to obtain quality, expedient food. This is due to an increasing population and a growing trend among Americans for trying new and interesting foods and cuisines. Because the career paths of a culinary arts degree holder are many, the average salary depends entirely on field and position, the median salary for chefs and head cooks is close to $40,500 per year based on the latest BLS national survey.
If you are interested in a degree in culinary arts, you may also be interested in a degree forbaking and pastry,meat cutting, catering, food science, nutrition, or restaurant management.
Top 15 Culinary Arts Associations
- American Wine Society (AWS)
- North America Sommelier Association (NASA)
- Research Chefs Association (RCA)
- Seafood Watch
- American Cheese Society (ACS)
- International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IHRA)
- James Beard Foundation (JBF)
- American Culinary Federation (ACF)
- The American Institute of Food & Wine (AIFW)
- Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
- American Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA)
- International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP)
- Les Clefs d'Or International (LCOI)
- Slow Food
- Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR)