Earning Your Degree in Culinary Arts

There is nothing more valuable than a degree for proving your fundamental skills and knowledge of a craft. A degree demonstrates to potential employers that you have a prolonged and applied passion for the art of cooking - a passion that can give you the edge in today's competitive job market!

A degree in culinary arts demonstrates that you have applied knowledge in more than just the basic form and function of the kitchen; it demonstrates that you have a well-rounded, intensive understanding of the inner workings of the restaurant business, the details of menu planning as well as food preparation and preservation, and an expanded knowledge of culinary theory and philosophy. All of these will benefit and enhance your overall skill-set in a multitude of ways.

If your ultimate goal is to own or manage your own restaurant, a bona-fide culinary arts degree is absolutely essential to your success. There are many top-notch culinary arts programs and academies, so be sure to do some research and find the school that's right for you.

The first step in planning your education in the culinary arts is to decide between the pursuit of an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.

Associate's Degree

Wouldn't it be nice to start your career in the food industry with a job that pays more than minimum wage? It is increasingly hard to find an entry-level position in the industry that will pay the rent, but an associates degree can mean the difference between whipping up grade-A meals for others and being able to go out and order them for yourself!

An associate's degree in culinary arts will provide you with much more than your basic diploma programs. You will also engage in course work that will expand your knowledge of the humanities and other liberal arts disciplines. Courses in math and English and some sciences are often included in an associate's degree program.

An associate's degree typically takes about two years to complte, however if you enroll as an online student, that time can be reduced or expanded depending on your schedule and determination.

Associate's Degrees in Culinary Arts:

• Food & Beverage Management
• Advanced Culinary Arts
• Hotel & Restaurant Management
• Professional Catering
• Baking & Pastry

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree requires a bit more of a time investment, but it is well worth the typical four years of study. A bachelor's degree in culinary arts will provide you will a host of accelerated courses in the culinary field as well as a diverse liberal arts education.

It is important to thoroughly research culinary arts programs until you find the one that is right for you; the programs differ from academy to academy, and you want to be sure you are investing your efforts in a degree program that will help you reach your ultimate goal.

Holders of a bachelor's degree in culinary arts are often afforded the luxury of being able to skip over the entry-level position and get right to work as a chef or manager. Eliminate what could be years of working your way up the restaurant chain of command by earning your bachelors degree and demonstrating your skills and proficiency right out of the gate!

Bachelor's Degrees in Culinary Arts:

• Food Service Management
• Restaurant Management
• Professional Students in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage
• Food Service Entrepreneurship