A culinary arts degree augments a chef's curriculum vitae, and indicates she has invested time, money and effort in the pursuit of her craft. However, in the food service industry, a culinary degree does not guarantee rapid advancement or immediate placement in a supervisory capacity. But the education needed to receive a culinary degree introduces a future chef to the complexity, demands and rewards of the profession.
Associate's
Associate in applied science (AAS) degrees require approximately two years of lecture and practical classes. The coursework commonly includes subject matter, such as principles of baking, meat identification, safety and sanitation, and fundamental culinary skills. AAS programs also require classes in communications, social sciences and humanities. These degrees are ideal for entry-level positions in a professional kitchen.
Bachelor
Bachelor of arts (BA) degree programs supplement culinary arts instruction with comprehensive coursework in liberal arts. They also concentrate on areas within the food service industry, such as hospitality management and hotel administration. Many chefs considering owning and operating their own food service establishments pursue BA degrees. Other competencies required for a BA in hospitality management and hotel administration include economics, business finance, restaurant law, organizational behavior and financial management.
Certificate
Several culinary schools, as well as colleges that offer degree programs in hospitality, have certificate programs in culinary arts. Certifications primarily provide vocation-specific training in culinary arts, with limited liberal arts instruction. However, most programs require classes in culinary mathematics. Community colleges, public universities and culinary schools offer certificates in culinary arts.
Baking and Pastry
Most schools that have culinary arts programs offer degrees in baking and pastry arts. Many students seeking a career as a baker, food stylist or pastry chef pursue degrees in baking and pastry arts. The programs are designed similar to culinary arts programs, but include advanced classes in baking and pastry. These programs require only general culinary skills classes, whereas culinary art degree programs prescribe extensive coursework in specific hot-preparation methods. The curriculum includes basic and advanced baking, classic and contemporary cake fabrication, artisanal breads of Europe and plating and presentation techniques.
Tags: culinary arts, arts programs, culinary degree, degree programs, food service