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Culinary Arts Program and Degree Guide

Which culinary arts program is the one you'd choose to achieve your culinary career goals?

Find the Culinary Arts Program That Fits You

culinary students

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 one culinary arts program over another.

Which culinary arts program would 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

Find Culinary Arts Diploma Programs

Associate's Degrees in Culinary Arts

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.

Find Associate Degree Programs in Culinary Arts

Bachelor's Degrees

Duration: 4 years

Where Bachelor's Degrees Are Offered: Culinary institute or university

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED

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

Find Bachelor Degree Programs in Culinary Arts

Master's Degrees

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.

Find Culinary Arts Schools

Spotlight Schools

The Art Institute

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes are North America's largest network of culinary schools. At an International Culinary School, you will learn the fundamental cooking and management skills essential for a career in the culinary arts to help you become more versatile and creative, and land a coveted chef's job. Contact us today!


Culinary Schools

The Cordon Bleu program, and its affiliate Culinary Academies and Institutes, allows students to earn a Specialized Degree in Culinary Arts in as little as 18 months. Graduates also earn the coveted Cordon Bleu diploma! Also learn about our financial aid options and job placement services. Contact us today at a location near you.