New England Culinary Institute

Highlights

• Offering career-oriented programs since 1980
• Provides every student with a six month paid internship
• Students gain experience in school-owned for-profit restaurants
• Online bachelor's program available
• Student-to-teacher ratio of 10 to 1 allows for personalized attention
• Provides alumni with lifetime career services assistance
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology

About the School

New England Culinary Institute (NECI) offers education programs for the food and beverage industry. Bachelor's and associate degrees and certificate programs are available in the fields of culinary arts, baking and pastry as well as hospitality and management. The curriculums combine academic and hands-on training. New England Culinary Institute also offers an online hospitality and restaurant management bachelor's degree program.

The school's educational programs includes working in its for profit restaurants, which the school says is unique among culinary arts schools. NECI also notes that it emphasizes the use of products from local farmers, producers, and suppliers to help ensure the freshest ingredients. Students have the opportunity to see in-person and learn about the sources for the ingredients used in their prepared foods.

Academic Programs

• Culinary Arts – The curriculums blend the traditional European apprentice method with the American holistic approach to food preparation and entrepreneurship. The students are provided with hands-on training at the institute's restaurants, resort hotel and bakery. Bachelor's and an associate degree and a certificate are available. The programs include a paid internship at a restaurant.
• Baking and Pastry Arts – Offers the knowledge and skills to make desserts and a variety of pastries and baked goods. Hands-on learning is gained at the school's bakery and cafe. The program includes two six-month paid internships at baking and pastry settings.
• Baking – A certificate program provides an essential foundation in cooking theory, knife skills as well as sanitation and food safety. Includes practical learning at the school's bakery and cafe. The program also provides a paid internship at a baking facility.
• Pastry – Graduates of the certificate program for pastry have the opportunity to seek employment in bakeshops, commercial kitchens and restaurants. Training is provided at the school owned bakery and cafe. The program also includes a paid internship.
• Hospitality and Restaurant Management – The bachelor degree curriculum includes practical learning at the institutes's culinary resort and through a paid internship. The curriculum also thoroughly reviews financial management, human resources, marketing and interpersonal communications. An Associate degree program is also available.

Faculty

The teaching faculty consists of professional chefs and industry professionals. The small class sizes allow the instructors to provide one-on-one assistance.

Student Life

The school offers students on and off campus housing. Also, the New England Culinary Institute provides lifetime career services to graduates.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Applicants must take an online learning assessment and also request transcripts from their high school. An admissions representative assists applicants with the admissions procedure. Students with industry experience may qualify to begin a program as a second year student.

Financial aid representatives are available to discuss the availability of a variety of financial assistance including federal and state financial aid, scholarships and loans. The New England Culinary Institute scholarships are also available.