Guide to Culinary Arts Programs and Degrees
Find Culinary Arts Programs That Fit 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 arts programs over others.
Learn which culinary arts programs will give you the training you need to find the job you want.
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's Degree Culinary Arts Programs
Duration: 9 months to 2 years
Where Associate's 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 Culinary Arts 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 or restaurant owners
Master's Degree Culinary Arts Progams
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 dieticians. Of special interest is the MBA in hospitality management.
Read About Culinary Careers
Catering Job – Read what a catering job is all about.
Chef Job – Looking to start a chef career? Find out what it takes to succeed.
Pastry Chef Job – Learn what to expect in a pastry chef job.
Restaurant Management Job – Do you have what it takes to be a restaurant manager? Find out.