What You Should Know About This Degree
There are many programs similar to culinary schools, such as food service management, dietician, and nutritionist programs. Before you commit to a particular program, make sure that it is the best fit for your career goals.
We recommend you choose a program offering internship or externship opportunities. Culinary workplaces can be a hectic environment, and this hands-on experience is the best way to prepare yourself for your first job in the industry.
The American Culinary Federation (ACF) is the main certifying body in the culinary industry. They offer 16 professional certifications, which cover different types of cooking such as savory and pastry as well as different levels of expertise such as sous chef, executive chef, and master chef.
Once you have graduated from a culinary school and earned your accreditation, you will find there are many different career paths available to you. For example, you could work in a restaurant, become a personal/private chef, or teach courses at a culinary school.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching culinary schools:
- Am I eligible for this program? Generally, you only need a high school diploma or GED credential to be accepted into a culinary school. Review the program’s admissions requirements to see if there are any other qualifications you need to meet.
- How long does it take to complete this program? Most certificate programs can be completed within one year, while associate degree programs tend to take two years, and bachelor’s degree programs tend to take four years.
When you are researching different culinary schools, you should always keep track of the application deadlines and application materials that you need to submit. If you can’t find this information on the school’s website, contact their admissions department.
You should also talk to the admissions department about any scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options that are available to you. If you are already working in the culinary field, your employer may have an assistance program you can use to help pay for your educational expenses.