As a high school student preparing for a bright future, you may be intrigued by dynamic career paths that allow you to exercise your creativity in a fast-paced and exciting environment. If these qualities sound appealing, you could be a wonderful candidate for the culinary industry. This unique field offers plenty of opportunities to make your mark, and the right program could get you into the kitchen in a few short years.
There are many ways to enter the culinary field, and as you ponder this possible career path, you may be wondering, ”Is culinary school worth it?” Below, we’ll explain, what is culinary school and what can you do with a culinary degree? Keep reading to discover
Understanding Culinary School
Culinary school offers a unique college experience. Its immersive, creative, and collaborative environment appeals to students with a deep-seated passion for food and a desire to translate that passion into a fulfilling career. Providing a fascinating introduction to the culinary arts, this impactful educational experience allows students to acquire essential skills without the years of on-the-job training often required in traditional restaurant settings.
What Is Culinary School?
Culinary school represents an important educational and training opportunity for aspiring chefs and other culinary enthusiasts, providing a structured environment for learning cooking techniques and gaining practical experience. This career-focused institution provides a deep dive into the art and science of cooking but may also cover a wide range of other topics relevant to future culinary professionals.
Types of Culinary Colleges
Culinary school takes many forms, with each program promising unique opportunities but also presenting potential challenges. These programs typically fall into a few main categories, which are important to examine when evaluating ”How much is culinary school?”
- Vocational schools. Emphasizing technical skill development, career-driven vocational schools sometimes offer culinary programs that touch on basic cooking techniques. These programs tend to be shorter in duration, allowing students to rapidly enter the industry.
- Community colleges. Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, are usually public institutions offering affordable programs that often lead to diplomas or associate degrees. Some community colleges provide culinary programs, but these may not achieve the same level of specialization or intensity as dedicated colleges known as culinary institutes.
- Dedicated culinary institutes. Culinary institutes are similar to vocational schools and community colleges but stand out by focusing on the artistry of culinary development, highlighting its creative aspects. These programs are more likely to provide specialization opportunities in pastry arts or food service management. The Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) at Baker College fits into this category and, compared to many culinary institutes, offers a cost-effective option for developing high-level culinary skills.
Culinary Programs Offered
The various colleges and institutions described above provide culinary coursework at several levels, appealing to different types of students. Understanding these options is essential for understanding how long is culinary school?
- Certificate programs. Offering a basic overview of the culinary field, certificate programs may be appealing because they can be completed in under a year, allowing for a swifter entry into entry-level opportunities. Some students may find that career advancement opportunities feel more limited upon earning a certificate as opposed to a degree.
- Associate degrees. Among the most common culinary credentials, associate degrees provide a deep dive into crucial culinary skills while also offering the chance to explore the theoretical underpinnings of food preparation and menu planning. Spanning around two years, these programs typically culminate in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and may offer some opportunities for specialization.
- Bachelor’s degrees. Although less common than certificate and associate programs, bachelor’s opportunities are available at select institutions. These programs tend to place a greater emphasis on management and soft skill development in hopes of preparing students to thrive as executive chefs or in other high-level roles.
Benefits of Attending Culinary School
Culinary school provides a structured approach to developing important skills that may be difficult or stressful to acquire on the job. Fascinating coursework provides an insider’s look at a dynamic industry, while lab opportunities help students build hands-on skills in a supportive and deeply inspiring environment.
What to Expect in Culinary School
Every culinary school has something unique to offer, and no two student experiences will look exactly alike. Still, most programs tend to share a few key commonalities, as highlighted below.
Curriculum Overview
A broad-based culinary curriculum will touch on the basics of food preparation while also exploring refined cooking techniques and far-reaching concepts related to nutrition, sustainability, and even mixology. The curriculum should provide a blend of theoretical coverage and lab-based skill development.
- Fundamental Courses. From culinary math to food safety and product identification, fundamental coursework covers the basic concepts and skills expected of every entry-level professional in the culinary field.
- Advanced Techniques. Upon gaining a solid foundation in cooking and restaurant management, culinary students should be ready to explore advanced concepts related to garde manger (cold food preparation), global cuisine, and mise en place.
- Business Skills. Many culinary programs prepare students to succeed as executive chefs or restaurant owners. Business-focused classes provide an introduction to topics that are far more difficult to tackle through experience alone. Essentials include inventory management, personnel management, and even forming an LLC.
Practical Experience
Theoretical foundations are important, but nothing quite compares to hands-on experiences, which encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in a real-world setting. This brings key concepts to life and also makes culinary school feel more immersive and engaging. In addition to labs, many culinary schools incorporate work experiences in approved facilities, offering hundreds of hours of exposure to the kitchen environment.
How to Get into Culinary School
Are you excited to discover the secrets to culinary greatness? It’s time to take the next step and apply for culinary school. Start exploring different programs and learning about admission requirements so you can secure your spot in an esteemed program.
- Admission Requirements. Good news: culinary admissions tend to be straightforward. You’ll need a high school diploma and may be asked to provide your transcript as well. Many culinary schools are test-optional institutions that do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission.
- Application Process. The application process can often be completed online. You may need to submit contact information or details about your high school experience, along with information about the type of program that you hope to enter.
Tips for a Successful Application
Be mindful of deadlines as you complete your application. When in doubt, early submissions are preferable. Be honest, but play to your strengths, revealing why you are eager to attend culinary school. This is your chance to show why you’re drawn to the culinary arts and how this exciting opportunity will help you fulfill your passion.
Easing the Transition from High School to Culinary School
Your high school experience can set you up for success in culinary school, determining not only whether you’re admitted to your college or program of choice, but also giving you the tools and confidence needed to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity. Follow these suggestions to prepare for culinary school:
- Take Culinary Classes. You don’t need to wait for college to explore the art and science of food preparation. Many culinary classes are available to high school students, and your current school may even offer some. Otherwise, explore classes through local community education programs. These can help you develop basic skills and are fun to attend.
- Join Extracurricular Activities. Sports teams and musical pursuits are valuable, but ideally, you will also participate in culinary-focused extracurricular experiences. This may require a little extra research, but if you’re lucky, your school or community will provide access to dedicated cooking clubs. Don’t forget to look into ProStart, a unique training opportunity available exclusively to high school students through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).
- Gain Work Experience. Any restaurant experience can be valuable, offering an initial introduction to the realities of the culinary field. Many high school students work in fast food or as wait staff. Some are even able to get into the kitchen as dishwashers. Jobs in retail can also be helpful for developing customer service skills.
- Research Schools. With so many excellent culinary degree programs available, you may need some extra time to explore your options. Get started early and take a close look at college promotional materials or catalogs to learn more about potential programs. Chat with career services advisors or attend college fairs to learn more.
- Visit Campuses. After pinpointing a few culinary schools that you find compelling, arrange for a campus visit to see these amazing institutions in action. This is your chance to tour kitchen labs and ask plenty of questions about curricula and learning outcomes.
Adjusting to College Life
Your experience as a culinary student will be far different from your life in high school, so be prepared for more focused and challenging coursework, not to mention an incredibly busy schedule. It’s a lot to juggle, but by learning time management techniques, you can prepare for the inevitable challenges of the demanding culinary field.
- Manage Your Time. College coursework can be rigorous, and culinary classes are no exception. Plan to spend 1–2 hours per credit each week on studying. Use a planner or dedicated apps to help plan your day. Also important is breaking assignments or projects into smaller pieces so they feel easier to manage.
- Build Relationships. Culinary school provides a powerful networking opportunity, giving you the chance to connect with the field’s most inspiring professionals while also building strong relationships with the talented chefs of tomorrow. Get started by chatting with fellow students and asking questions in class or during labs.
- Utilize Resources. From academic advising to career services, culinary students enjoy access to a wealth of resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re struggling, as you’ll find plenty of people happy to help.
- Stay Healthy. It can be difficult to find balance in the highly demanding culinary industry, but it’s never too early to practice. This begins with actively managing your stress and maintaining healthy habits. You can expect to study nutritional cooking in culinary school, so use this opportunity to improve your diet and enjoy well-rounded meals. Exercise is also important. Plan breaks between study sessions so you can hit the gym or simply go on a walk.
Tips for Success in Culinary School
Every class and lab represents another opportunity to expand your culinary understanding and boost your practical skill set. Active engagement is crucial, so follow these suggestions to make the most of this exciting experience:
- Stay Curious. Don’t assume that your coursework will cover every technique or recipe. There is always more to learn and discover, so keep reading those cooking magazines, listening to industry podcasts, or experimenting on your own to uncover new possibilities.
- Practice Regularly. Consistent practice is crucial, but you only get to spend so much time in the lab. Thankfully, you can practice many skills on your own. Feel free to practice knife skills, grilling, or even plating in the comfort of your own home, and encourage your friends or family members to sample your creations.
- Embrace Feedback. The best chefs welcome feedback and understand how to integrate this into their work. Culinary school provides plenty of chances to develop this essential ability. Actively seek constructive criticism from faculty members or fellow students, and when you cook for loved ones, ask for their opinions as well.
- Develop Professionalism. There’s more to success in the culinary field than cooking skills alone. Professionalism is essential and takes time to develop, like any other skill. This is best practiced through culinary school lab experiences. Instructors can provide valuable suggestions on how to conduct yourself in a professional manner. Time management, organization, and respectful communication matter, so make an active effort to build these essentials into your daily practice.
Is Culinary School Worth It?
Given the commitment (both in terms of time and finances) needed to navigate culinary school, it’s only natural to wonder, is culinary school worth it?
There is no easy answer, as a lot depends on your personal aspirations. However, if you want to reach the upper echelons of this particular industry, there’s no denying that culinary school can give you an edge. Food journalist Gowri Chanda puts it best: “To become the chef-owner of a fine-dining restaurant, culinary school is pivotal.”
- Skill Development. It can take years of work as a prep cook to develop a well-rounded skill set, but this is more readily acquired as a culinary student. Targeted courses provide thorough exposure to advanced cooking terms and principles and lab-based hands-on learning opportunities.
- Career Advancement. Moving up the culinary career ladder can be difficult without a degree. Roles such as sous chef or executive chef increasingly highlight a culinary-focused education as a key requirement. This can also fast-track career advancement, making it possible to move into higher-level roles after acquiring just a few short years of kitchen experience.
- Industry Connections. Networking is crucial in the close-knit culinary community, where the right connections can open doors. Culinary school provides valuable exposure to the field’s most talented and inspiring professionals, along with chances to develop relationships with future culinary greats.
- Personal Growth. Challenging culinary coursework builds discipline and resilience — qualities that benefit both your career and personal confidence.
Career Opportunities After Culinary School
Culinary school represents a decidedly career-focused approach to the college experience, so it is important to identify and understand your own unique career aspirations prior to applying. The good news? Upon graduating, you will feel fully prepared to embrace a variety of compelling options.
Still wondering what can you do with a culinary degree? We’ve highlighted a few of the field’s most meaningful roles below:
Entry-Level Positions
Many culinary graduates enter the field as line cooks responsible for much of the hands-on process of preparing food. Some may initially acquire experience as prep cooks, who improve the kitchen workflow by taking on preparatory tasks such as chopping or peeling vegetables. Depending on specializations, some culinary professionals may prefer to begin as pastry assistants, focusing on baked goods and desserts.
Advanced Career Paths
Equipped with a culinary degree and a few years of experience in the kitchen environment, line cooks should be prepared to move into higher-level roles. This may place a greater emphasis on menu planning, scheduling, or inventory management.
Roles such as sous chef or executive chef still demand a thorough understanding of culinary principles but also call for management skills. The sous chef, as second-in-command, provides structure and ensures quality in the kitchen, while the executive chef focuses on strategy and high-level decisions to drive the restaurant’s success.
Alternative Careers with a Culinary Degree
You don’t have to work in the kitchen to thrive as a culinary professional. There are many other ways to build cuisine into your daily life while pursuing a career path you find compelling. Many culinary school graduates later work as food writers or critics, drawing on their in-depth knowledge to introduce the public to exciting culinary opportunities.
Others may offer guidance as instructors, helping to prepare a new generation of chefs to make their mark in the kitchens of tomorrow. Meanwhile, product development chefs work with food manufacturers to create products that consumers will be excited to sample.
Exploring Culinary Degrees and Programs at Baker
Looking forward to making your mark as a culinary student? The decision to attend culinary school may be an important first step, but this is only the beginning. Now, you need to find a culinary school and degree program that reflects your unique interests and career goals. Baker offers several programs designed to help you prepare for a rewarding career.
Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Offering a well-rounded introduction to the wonderful world of cuisine, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts is an amazing option for anyone who hopes to work as a line cook or, eventually, as a sous chef. This program encourages students to develop in-demand cooking skills by training in state-of-the-art facilities. From nutritional cooking to table service and even menu planning, the broad-based culinary arts curriculum covers everything you need to know about this dynamic field.
Baking and Pastry AAS
Discover the secrets to creating delightful treats as you earn your AAS in Baking and Pastry. Blending creativity with the science of baking, this remarkable program touches on all the essentials: chocolates, confections, bakery operations, and beyond.
Food and Beverage Management AAS
Embrace the strategic side of the restaurant business as you pursue your AAS in Food and Beverage Management. This operations-focused program reveals what it takes to satisfy discerning patrons while ensuring that a variety of hospitality venues are well-run. This is a wonderful option for aspiring executive chefs and other future culinary leaders.
Embrace Your Culinary Passion with the Culinary Institute of Michigan
Ready to take the next step in an exciting culinary career? Explore your options with the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM). Accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC), this respected program provides immersive instruction for the culinary leaders of tomorrow. You can get a strong start in the culinary industry by enrolling in CIM’s culinary arts program or hone in on preferred specialties by studying pastry arts or food and beverage management.