The Complete Culinary School Guide

An Extensive Look at Culinary Schools & Careers Including Cooking, Pastry, Management & Wine

Today’s economy demands a skilled, trained, and educated workforce and completing post-secondary degree or certificate programs has become a prerequisite for an increasing number of occupations. In fact, research from the Center for Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University projected that by 2018, nearly two-thirds of all jobs in the United States will require some type of postsecondary education.

Top 10 THE COMPLETE CULINARY SCHOOL GUIDE 4-Year Colleges

Best Culinary Schools and Programs

• 4-Year Colleges

Culinary students have many options to consider when choosing the right culinary school and program. Whether their interests lie in restaurant management, food preparation, or other specializations, it is vital that they enroll in a program that offers their desired area of study and will help them excel in the field. Through extensive analysis, we have served-up the best on-campus and online culinary programs and ranked them based on our criteria. Learn more about the best culinary schools and programs here.

Find Culinary Schools Near You

Although many chefs are able to gain success in the field by learning as they go in the kitchen for many years, culinary schools give students a solid foundation of how to work in the field through a combination of practical experience and textbook theory. Culinary degree programs can be found at trade schools and community colleges, as well as four-year colleges and universities. Prospective students should evaluate their needs and ultimate career goals in order to choose which level of education–and type of school–is best for them.

Popular Culinary Degrees & Program Options

Students who want to concentrate on an area of the culinary field can find topics to specialize in, giving them the expertise they need to get a specific type of position. Explore the culinary degree and program options below to learn about the education and training required.

Cooking

Cooks and chefs must procure and maintain fresh ingredients, create and refine menu items, monitor portion sizes, supervise kitchen staff and prepare food alongside other kitchen staff.

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Pastry

Students in this specialization focus specifically on perfecting the art of making breads, pastries, and desserts, from conception to execution.

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Restaurant Management

Restaurant managers train staff, perform daily accounting and oversee the front of the house. They have a “whatever it takes” attitude.

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Hospitality Management

From the front desk to housekeeping to the kitchen, hotel managers must be able to effectively run all of the operations, not just the ones related to food. This specialization gives students the managerial tools they need to do that and more in just about any tourism and lodging setting.

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Wine Steward & Sommelier

What people have to drink when they’re eating a meal is a crucial part of the experience. In this specialization, students explore how to pair the right beverages with meals, as well as winemaking, distillation and brewing.

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Culinary School Learning Center

Interview with Ryan Grimm,

executive chef at the California Biscuit Company in West Hollywood

About Ryan

I strive to be the best I can each day.  My culinary philosophy: I believe that food is so much more than just nutrition and fuel for our bodies. It can alter a person’s attitude and affect their entire day. I believe that if a guest comes in and is having a bad day, I can turn it around for them with great food and amazing service. That’s my goal every time I have a guest walk through my door; everyone leaves with a smile on their face.