Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Highlights

• Partner of Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Paris
• Prepares students for careers in the food service and hospitality industry
• Hands-on culinary arts curriculum teaches theoretical concepts and practical applications
• 98% of graduates find a job in their field within six months of graduation
• Culinary Arts Program accredited by the American Culinary Federation
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)

About Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute (PCI) provides students with European and North American culinary arts training programs. Students receive a competency-based education that stresses fundamental cooking methods.

At PCI, students receive hands-on training in Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts. Graduates will be prepped for entry- to mid-level positions in the food service and hospitality industry.

Founded in 1986 the school has earned a national reputation and has attracted students from across the country.

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Academic Programs

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute has several program tracks that provide the theoretical foundation and technical skills needed to become a professional in the food service and hospitality industry.

• Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts (Associate of Specialized Technology Degree) – This track teaches food chemistry, sanitation, dietetics, nutrition, kitchen management, and baking and pastry. Students learn classical French cooking methods through hands-on training. Areas of study include nutrition, sanitation, purchasing, and inventory control.
• Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking (Associate of Specialized Technology Degree) – Combines classical French pastry techniques with modern American technology and is designed to give students hands-on skills to succeed in the baking and pastry industry. Students will develop the skills to create a variety doughs, cookies, tartlets, basic syrups, creams, icings and a variety desserts. Courses include the study of nutrition, sanitation, purchasing, and inventory controls.
• Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management (Associate of Specialized Business Degree) – Students are taught the management and culinary skills needed to succeed in food service management. The program is structured to give proficiency in both front and back of the house operations (dining room and kitchen) and to develop professional communication skills.
• Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Techniques (Diploma) – Teaches European techniques. Emphasis is placed on baking and pastry, garde manger (pantry supervisor) work, buffet preparation, and plate presentation. Also taught are principles of food identification, sanitation, and food/beverage composition.

Learning at Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

PCI's facilities allow for a wide range of learning opportunities. Education takes place in the skill development kitchen, the stock, soup and sauce kitchen, the meat and poultry kitchen, the seafood/charcuterie kitchen, and the pastry kitchen. The Patisserie and Baking kitchens include an American-style bakery kitchen, artisan bread kitchen, European-style pastry kitchen, cold and frozen dessert specialty kitchen, and a chocolate, candy and artistic sculpturing kitchen.

Faculty

Classes are taught by award-winning chef instructors with emphasis on small class sizes for more focused attention. These experienced professionals work in the industry and bring real-world experience into the classroom.

Student Life

Housing is available within walking distance from the PCI campus. Access to the Port Authority Transit bus line, provides access to downtown and other parts of Pittsburgh. About two-thirds of the student body lives in student housing.

Admissions and Financial Aid

The admission process at PCI includes an interview with an Admissions representative. Applicants who are judged to have the drive to succeed in the culinary arts field will then be invited to complete a written application. Students can also apply for admissions online.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students and their families may be eligible for a variety of Federal and private loans and grants. The Financial Aid staff will help applicants through the process beginning with their admissions application through to graduation.