Formal culinary degrees include two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor of art degrees, and even master's degrees in art. But most cooking students seeking degrees start with an associate's degree. By completing a bachelor's degree program in cooking, prospective chefs can start their careers with confidence, knowing that they are well prepared for the realities of the foodservice industry. Choosing the wrong culinary program can be a recipe for disaster, so it's important for prospective cooking students to do their homework before committing to a specific degree program.
The following table provides an overview of the different grade levels that cooking students can choose from. Work with new ingredients and flavors in the CIA's culinary arts degree program, with courses that may surprise you. Depending on the school, students can finish their degree program in as little as six months to a year. In addition to general education courses, associate degree programs may include additional courses or have longer internship requirements.
A culinary arts degree focuses on the skills you need to excel as a professional in the food industry, including topics such as food safety, hospitality, baking, restaurant service, nutrition, international cuisine, wine, beverages, and more. Culinary degree programs are found in cooking schools, as well as in four-year colleges and universities. Typically, a 30- to 60-credit program that requires between one and two years to complete, a culinary master's degree could give you a significant advantage in achieving upward mobility in a crowded field. Students should pay special attention to the curriculum of a bachelor's degree program in cooking, with a view to targeting schools that offer strong courses in their areas of interest.
But one of the best ways to ensure that more opportunities are presented to you is to earn a degree in the field. If you're looking for a quick path to cooking and an entry-level skill set, you'd do quite well with a diploma, certificate, or accredited associate degree in culinary arts. To complete a culinary degree, students may also need to complete internships or group projects in addition to their classroom work. Students seeking this type of degree will also likely learn about the basics of cooking, cooking techniques, fundamentals and nutrition, as well as about à la carte meals and pantry cooking.
Culinary degree programs can be found in several types of schools, including community colleges, vocational schools, culinary schools, and colleges and universities.
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