The Culinary Institute Of America

Highlights

• Providing culinary training for more than 60 years
• Employers visit the campus quarterly to meet students
• Numerous celebrity chef graduates
• Offers an alumni network
• Includes a collection of student operated restaurants
• Received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

About the School

The Culinary Institute of America is a non-profit institution, offering undergraduate degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. The institute also offers courses in restaurant management, marketing, finance, world cultures and other subjects. The school has one of the largest faculty of teaching chefs and certified hospitality educators located on a single campus. In addition, the programs provide an extensive amount of hands-on learning.

Academic Programs

Programs of study include:

• Culinary Arts Management Bachelor's Degree – The program offers comprehensive hands-on cooking classes. The program also includes a Wine and Food Seminar and liberal arts and culinary arts management courses. The students are trained for leadership positions, including as food service directors, restaurateurs and executive chefs. The curriculum also provides an externship at a restaurant, resort or hotel.
• Culinary Arts Associate Degree – The program offers a strong foundation in culinary fundamentals and extensive hands-on cooking training.
• Baking & Pastry Arts Management Bachelor's Degree – Offers plenty of hands-on training in baking and pastry. The curriculum also offers a variety of liberal arts courses and management classes. Students acquire experience by working in the institute's bakery cafe. Graduates have the opportunity to seek leadership positions as pastry chefs, chocolatiers, cafe owners and other leadership roles.
• Baking & Pastry Arts Associate Degree – Provides extensive hands-on training in baking and pastry and emphasizes the fundamentals. Students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working in the institute's bakery cafe.

Faculty

The faculty includes numerous American Culinary Federation Certified Master Chefs.

Student Life

The student body consists of recent high school graduates, military personnel, adults, recent college students and those with other types of backgrounds. The students have access to a comprehensive culinary library and computer lab. The school also provides a student recreation center, student clubs, sports and a variety of events. Student housing is offered in residence halls and lodges. Regarding employment, the institute maintains an extensive listing of job opportunities from national and international employers.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED credential and take an assessment test. However, applicants who have acceptable SAT or ACT scores may not have to take the test. The financial aid office representatives help qualified students find financial aid sources. Most of the students receive some type of financial assistance.