7 answers
Ash
Student
Saint Petersburg, Florida
3
Questions
Updated
558 views
What are good culinary schools to apply for, for college?
I have 2 years plus a possible gap year to decide on a college but I need one that has culinary and business.
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1501
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Choosing the right culinary school Ash can make or break your career as a chef. There are so many different options out there, from large universities to small, specialized culinary schools that focus exclusively on culinary techniques and food preparation. And with the cost of education continually rising, it’s more important than ever to choose a school that fits your budget while still providing the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a chef.
CHOOSE THE BEST CULINARY FOR YOU
Community colleges offer practical and accessible culinary programs, including associate degrees and certificates, that provide students with fundamental culinary skills, including knife handling, cooking techniques, and baking. These programs also offer a solid foundation in culinary techniques and kitchen management, allowing graduates to pursue careers as line cooks, prep cooks, or catering assistants.
CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Graduating from one of the top culinary schools in the U.S. will help you nurture your talent into a career and pay big dividends throughout your professional life, with higher earnings potential, invaluable exposure and connections, and opportunities that only a prestigious credential can unlock. While each aspiring chef has their own unique goals in mind, there are a few key factors that should be considered to ensure the best return on investment. A culinary school with an innovative curriculum, accomplished instructors, strategic partnerships, modern equipment, a successful track record of graduate outcomes, and a strong alumni network are all important factors to keep in mind. The Culinary Institute of America, established in 1946, is a renowned institution setting the benchmark for professional culinary education. With campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore, they offer diverse degree programs, certificates, and courses for culinary enthusiasts and experts. Their visionary approach acknowledges the profound cultural significance of food and its impact on health, the environment, and the economy. CIA’s mission revolves around providing top-notch education, practice, and scholarship in the realm of food, molding future leaders and experts in the food industry.
JOHNSON AND WALES UNIVERSITY
Johnson and Wales University, started in 1914, is a prestigious, private, accredited, not-for-profit, student-oriented institution and globally-recognized leader in the culinary arts and beyond. With access to a large network of industry-leading companies, JWU’s professional degree programs integrate academics with work experience and promote environmental awareness and global perspective. The establishment occupies an urban 126-acre flagship campus in Providence RI, but also maintains campuses in Miami, Denver, and Charlotte. Johnson and Wales University offers 10 different culinary programs with accelerated and weekend options. Culinary-related programs include a wide range of specialties including: Baking & Pastry Arts, Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Culinary Nutrition, Culinary Science, Dietetics & Applied Nutrition, Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship, and a certificate in Professional Craft Brewing. Major-relevant course examples include: Culinary Fundamentals; Classical Cuisines of France & Italy; Cooking in Today’s Restaurant; The Science of Cooking & Sensory Analysis; Purchasing, Product Identification & Protein Fabrication; Contemporary Service & Restaurant Supervision; and many more. Notably, JWU offers amazing opportunities for internships at over 3,600 sites around the world. The program provides prestige due to a faculty full of experts in the industry and scholars–many hold PhDs. Finally, the program offers affordability due to the fact that over 90% of students receive financial aid, and JWU was rated #1 of all colleges in Rhode Island for their open textbooks initiative.
CHOOSE THE BEST CULINARY FOR YOU
Community colleges offer practical and accessible culinary programs, including associate degrees and certificates, that provide students with fundamental culinary skills, including knife handling, cooking techniques, and baking. These programs also offer a solid foundation in culinary techniques and kitchen management, allowing graduates to pursue careers as line cooks, prep cooks, or catering assistants.
CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Graduating from one of the top culinary schools in the U.S. will help you nurture your talent into a career and pay big dividends throughout your professional life, with higher earnings potential, invaluable exposure and connections, and opportunities that only a prestigious credential can unlock. While each aspiring chef has their own unique goals in mind, there are a few key factors that should be considered to ensure the best return on investment. A culinary school with an innovative curriculum, accomplished instructors, strategic partnerships, modern equipment, a successful track record of graduate outcomes, and a strong alumni network are all important factors to keep in mind. The Culinary Institute of America, established in 1946, is a renowned institution setting the benchmark for professional culinary education. With campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore, they offer diverse degree programs, certificates, and courses for culinary enthusiasts and experts. Their visionary approach acknowledges the profound cultural significance of food and its impact on health, the environment, and the economy. CIA’s mission revolves around providing top-notch education, practice, and scholarship in the realm of food, molding future leaders and experts in the food industry.
JOHNSON AND WALES UNIVERSITY
Johnson and Wales University, started in 1914, is a prestigious, private, accredited, not-for-profit, student-oriented institution and globally-recognized leader in the culinary arts and beyond. With access to a large network of industry-leading companies, JWU’s professional degree programs integrate academics with work experience and promote environmental awareness and global perspective. The establishment occupies an urban 126-acre flagship campus in Providence RI, but also maintains campuses in Miami, Denver, and Charlotte. Johnson and Wales University offers 10 different culinary programs with accelerated and weekend options. Culinary-related programs include a wide range of specialties including: Baking & Pastry Arts, Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Culinary Nutrition, Culinary Science, Dietetics & Applied Nutrition, Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship, and a certificate in Professional Craft Brewing. Major-relevant course examples include: Culinary Fundamentals; Classical Cuisines of France & Italy; Cooking in Today’s Restaurant; The Science of Cooking & Sensory Analysis; Purchasing, Product Identification & Protein Fabrication; Contemporary Service & Restaurant Supervision; and many more. Notably, JWU offers amazing opportunities for internships at over 3,600 sites around the world. The program provides prestige due to a faculty full of experts in the industry and scholars–many hold PhDs. Finally, the program offers affordability due to the fact that over 90% of students receive financial aid, and JWU was rated #1 of all colleges in Rhode Island for their open textbooks initiative.
Thank you so much! It’s very helpful!!
Ash
Your Welcome Ash. In your kitchen, ensure everyone feels like an essential ingredient in the recipe for success, fostering an atmosphere of belonging.
Doc Frick
Culinary Institute of America is the best Culinary and most prestigious in the USA. In this day and age, not sure its worth the incredible investment. As a graduate from way back in the day it was incredibly beneficial. Many a job were listed back in the day that said "CIA Graduate Only", today, not so much. Worked with lots of incredible chef's over the years, and I must say, the best Chef I ever worked for was from "School of Hard Knocks" way back in the day, he was classically trained in NJ and rose through hotel business. I worked with him in St. Louis. Hospitality Degree more beneficial these days than Chef Degree, and even with Chef degree, your not a Chef until your a Chef.
Robert Adamo
Rich Mancini
Executive Chef
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Rich’s Answer
I would look at the University of Nevada, great culinary program. Of course Johnston & Whales in Rhode Island
However most culinary programs will also offer a business program
Good Luck
However most culinary programs will also offer a business program
Good Luck
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Ash
George Walters
Teacher
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
George’s Answer
FIND YOUR PERFECT COOKING PATH
Community colleges are a great place to explore exciting and hands-on culinary programs. They offer associate degrees and certificates that are not only practical, but also easy to access. These programs help students master the basics of cooking, like handling a knife, mastering cooking methods, and perfecting the art of baking. Plus, they give you a strong base in culinary techniques and managing a kitchen. So, whether you dream of becoming a line cook, prep cook, or a catering assistant, these programs can help you turn your culinary dreams into reality.
Community colleges are a great place to explore exciting and hands-on culinary programs. They offer associate degrees and certificates that are not only practical, but also easy to access. These programs help students master the basics of cooking, like handling a knife, mastering cooking methods, and perfecting the art of baking. Plus, they give you a strong base in culinary techniques and managing a kitchen. So, whether you dream of becoming a line cook, prep cook, or a catering assistant, these programs can help you turn your culinary dreams into reality.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ash
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1737
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ash !
You have chosen a very exciting career interest and it's great that you have time to review and explore different schools for Culinary. You will most likely need training at a culinary school for what you'd like to do. Most Culinary Schools do teach the Business end of it as part of their culinary program, so it will be just a matter of you finding a school that you would like to attend.
You will first have to decide which Degree you would want to obtain. For Culinary, you can opt for an Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree in Culinary Arts. You can go for a shorter length of time for a Diploma or Certificate which teaches one specialty like cooking or baking and is less than one year's duration. You can also do this online.
My advice for you would be to consider obtaining a Bachelors Degree, especially if you want to go into the business end. This would be a four year study. You need to choose your college as well as the college path you want to take. It will be a lot of reading at websites but it's best to get the information straight from the school. You'll need to carefully explore your options.
One of the short paths is at Pinellas Technical College for Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality. I left a link for their college program below. I would recommend one of the prime paths for this and that is to consider enrolling at The Culinary Institute of America if you are very serious about an outstanding career in this field. They offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. They prepare leaders and offer paths in Executive Chef, Food and beverage management, Food writing, Media and public relations, Research and education, Hotel management and Restaurant ownership. I have left the link to their website below. You would have exceptional networking experiences while attending this school in Hyde Park, NY.
Palm Beach State College, which also has a campus in Tampa, offers an Associates degree in Culinary Arts for which you would study culinary skills, food science and industry operations.
Take it a step at a time. Decide if you want to stay in state or relocate for this. Then decide how far you want to take the education. Having those initial decisions made, you can then do the necessary exploring for exactly what you want to do. No one can select a school for you. It takes reading websites after you have determined exactly how you want to do this.
I wish you all the best moving forward with your plans ! Have fun with this wonderful course of study !
PINELLAS TECHNICAL COLLEGE - SAINT PETERSBURG CAMPUS https://www.pcsb.org/Page/6951
THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA IN HYDE PARK, NY https://www.ciachef.edu/
You have chosen a very exciting career interest and it's great that you have time to review and explore different schools for Culinary. You will most likely need training at a culinary school for what you'd like to do. Most Culinary Schools do teach the Business end of it as part of their culinary program, so it will be just a matter of you finding a school that you would like to attend.
You will first have to decide which Degree you would want to obtain. For Culinary, you can opt for an Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree in Culinary Arts. You can go for a shorter length of time for a Diploma or Certificate which teaches one specialty like cooking or baking and is less than one year's duration. You can also do this online.
My advice for you would be to consider obtaining a Bachelors Degree, especially if you want to go into the business end. This would be a four year study. You need to choose your college as well as the college path you want to take. It will be a lot of reading at websites but it's best to get the information straight from the school. You'll need to carefully explore your options.
One of the short paths is at Pinellas Technical College for Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality. I left a link for their college program below. I would recommend one of the prime paths for this and that is to consider enrolling at The Culinary Institute of America if you are very serious about an outstanding career in this field. They offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. They prepare leaders and offer paths in Executive Chef, Food and beverage management, Food writing, Media and public relations, Research and education, Hotel management and Restaurant ownership. I have left the link to their website below. You would have exceptional networking experiences while attending this school in Hyde Park, NY.
Palm Beach State College, which also has a campus in Tampa, offers an Associates degree in Culinary Arts for which you would study culinary skills, food science and industry operations.
Take it a step at a time. Decide if you want to stay in state or relocate for this. Then decide how far you want to take the education. Having those initial decisions made, you can then do the necessary exploring for exactly what you want to do. No one can select a school for you. It takes reading websites after you have determined exactly how you want to do this.
I wish you all the best moving forward with your plans ! Have fun with this wonderful course of study !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Davielle Panzullo, M.A., PMP
Warehouse Manager
31
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Davielle’s Answer
Great question, Ash! We always need some clever, innovative new talent in the culinary marketplace. First, you need to decide if you want to go out of the US: Here's an article on International cooking schools: https://culinaryclassroom.com/top-culinary-schools-in-the-world/
If staying in the US, do you want to stay local or go to another state? Here's an article that covers that: https://hospitalitymanagementdegrees.net/rankings/the-best-culinary-schools-in-america/
Do you want to go to a junior college and get an AA/certificate in culinary arts before you pursue a larger, more costlier program? There sometimes are local programs to help you experience a program with minimal investment.
Finally, you can always partner with a dining establishment and work your way up the ladder. You can develop a relationship with the head chef and owner and they can advise your career direction.
Best wishes for a great culinary career!
If staying in the US, do you want to stay local or go to another state? Here's an article that covers that: https://hospitalitymanagementdegrees.net/rankings/the-best-culinary-schools-in-america/
Do you want to go to a junior college and get an AA/certificate in culinary arts before you pursue a larger, more costlier program? There sometimes are local programs to help you experience a program with minimal investment.
Finally, you can always partner with a dining establishment and work your way up the ladder. You can develop a relationship with the head chef and owner and they can advise your career direction.
Best wishes for a great culinary career!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Ash
Wayne Paschke
Corp Atty
2
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hello Ash,
Based on my experience, it's crucial to carefully consider the "business" aspect of your degree, especially in relation to your career goals. The term "business" in the culinary world can encompass a wide array of paths. It could mean managing your own restaurant or franchise, or marketing a culinary product. Alternatively, it could involve a role in the hospitality sector, such as a Food and Beverage Manager at a hotel, Director of Culinary Arts on a cruise line, or running your own Bed and Breakfast. Although there's some overlap, a hospitality degree typically provides a more specialized focus within the business realm.
When investing your resources in a culinary program with the intention of combining it with a business or hospitality degree, it's important to ensure that the culinary program credits can be transferred to other educational institutions. This is particularly crucial if you already have a specific institution in mind for your business degree. If the credits from the culinary program aren't transferable, you may end up spending additional time and money on classes you've already completed, but which aren't recognized by the institution offering the business degree.
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is renowned as one of the top culinary schools in the US. Their two-year program grants an Associate's Degree in culinary arts, but they also offer a Bachelor's Degree in food business management, culinary science, applied food studies, and hospitality. While this degree is highly respected within the industry, it may be scrutinized more closely by employers outside of the food and beverage sector who aren't familiar with the CIA.
Other well-regarded programs include those at Cornell University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Florida International University, and Johnson and Wales.
Remember to thoroughly research your options, as these programs can be costly and require a significant personal time commitment. Earning a culinary degree is often more time-consuming than a traditional associate's degree due to the hands-on nature of the industry. However, you may discover that these programs provide invaluable life skills and insights. Best of luck in your journey!
Based on my experience, it's crucial to carefully consider the "business" aspect of your degree, especially in relation to your career goals. The term "business" in the culinary world can encompass a wide array of paths. It could mean managing your own restaurant or franchise, or marketing a culinary product. Alternatively, it could involve a role in the hospitality sector, such as a Food and Beverage Manager at a hotel, Director of Culinary Arts on a cruise line, or running your own Bed and Breakfast. Although there's some overlap, a hospitality degree typically provides a more specialized focus within the business realm.
When investing your resources in a culinary program with the intention of combining it with a business or hospitality degree, it's important to ensure that the culinary program credits can be transferred to other educational institutions. This is particularly crucial if you already have a specific institution in mind for your business degree. If the credits from the culinary program aren't transferable, you may end up spending additional time and money on classes you've already completed, but which aren't recognized by the institution offering the business degree.
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is renowned as one of the top culinary schools in the US. Their two-year program grants an Associate's Degree in culinary arts, but they also offer a Bachelor's Degree in food business management, culinary science, applied food studies, and hospitality. While this degree is highly respected within the industry, it may be scrutinized more closely by employers outside of the food and beverage sector who aren't familiar with the CIA.
Other well-regarded programs include those at Cornell University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Florida International University, and Johnson and Wales.
Remember to thoroughly research your options, as these programs can be costly and require a significant personal time commitment. Earning a culinary degree is often more time-consuming than a traditional associate's degree due to the hands-on nature of the industry. However, you may discover that these programs provide invaluable life skills and insights. Best of luck in your journey!
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
282
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ash,
According to ChefsPencil.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Culinary with program duration, cost of tuition and equipment and supplies:
- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institute of America
- Institute of Culinary Education
- Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institue LENOTRE
- Johnson and Wales Culinary College
- Monroe College
- Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
- Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
- Culinary Institute of Virginia
https://www.chefspencil.com/best-culinary-schools-in-america/
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for Culinary Scholarships:
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/top-culinary-scholarships/
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/culinary-scholarships/
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Culinary!
According to ChefsPencil.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Culinary with program duration, cost of tuition and equipment and supplies:
- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institute of America
- Institute of Culinary Education
- Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institue LENOTRE
- Johnson and Wales Culinary College
- Monroe College
- Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
- Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
- Culinary Institute of Virginia
https://www.chefspencil.com/best-culinary-schools-in-america/
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for Culinary Scholarships:
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/top-culinary-scholarships/
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/culinary-scholarships/
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Culinary!