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Guide to Culinary Programs and Degrees

Choose culinary arts programs that will help you reach your goals.

Which One is Right for You?

The level of education you choose to pursue depends on many factors, most importantly your career goals.

Below is a brief description of program length, prerequisites and reasons for choosing certain culinary programs over others.

Culinary Certificates

Duration: 1 month to 2 years

Where Culinary Certificates Are Offered: Culinary institute, cooking school, community college or trade/vocational school

Prerequisites: None

Ideal for: People who want training and on-the-job experience as soon as possible

Associate Degree Programs

Duration: 9 months to 2 years

Where Associate Degrees Are Offered: Culinary institute or community college

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED

Ideal for: People who want a degree and on-the-job experience as soon as possible. A higher level of education and more in-depth culinary training than in a certificate program. Also includes general education requirements.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Duration: 4 years

Where Bachelor's Degrees Are Offered: University

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED

Ideal for: People who want to be managers, food writers, dietitians or nutritionists or restaurant owners

Master's Degree Programs

Duration: 2 years beyond bachelor's degree

Where Master's Degrees Are Offered: University

Prerequisites: Bachelor's from an accredited university

Ideal for: People who want to be managers, culinary instructors, restaurant owners, academics, nutritionists or dietitians. Of special interest is the MBA in hospitality management.