Food is more than just something you eat. It is a way to express your creativity and warm the hearts of others. It gives you the opportunity to explore different cultures right in your kitchen. Culinary arts programs are extensively hands-on as food preparation is best learned by doing. Instruction will cover culinary skills, the tools used, safety, sanitation, presentation, and cooking techniques from different cultures. The business aspect of food preparation is also essential as ordering food, marketing, and event planning also go hand in hand with running a thriving food establishment. Whether your desire is to become a renowned chef or food service management, a culinary arts program is a good first step. You might start with a Culinary Arts Certificate or Diploma or an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts if you plan to make a mark on the industry.
The Art Institute of Dallas
The Culinary Arts Program at The Art Institute of Dallas will provide a real-world experience that will enable students to transition from the classroom to the professional kitchen. The well-stocked kitchen on campus is designed to support the development of cooking skills and encourage familiarity with international flavors and techniques that consumers love. Experienced faculty will challenge and push students to realize their best potential. The school offers a Certificate in Culinary Arts which requires completion of 57 quarter credit hours. The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts is a 90-quarter credit program that can be completed in 6 quarters. Course topics include culinary techniques, nutrition, garde manager, food service technology, classical techniques, sanitation and safety, baking and pastry techniques, world cuisine, Asian Culture, Latin Culture, planning and controlling costs, and management by menu.
Program overview:
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Duration: 5 quarters
Credit hours: 57
Prerequisites:
- Attend an admission interview to discuss educational goals
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Meet the high school graduation requirements or equivalent – must have a minimum 2.0 high school GPA
- Complete the Art Institute College Success Course Requirement – New Student Orientation Modules
- Applicants who have completed 24 or more prior college credits can be exempted from the College Success Course modules
- Must be able to participate in both day and night shift
- Must be 18 years or older
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $34,275. The cost of books and uniforms is not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/dallas
- Address: 8080 Park Lane, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75231-5993
- Phone: 800.275.4243
El Centro College
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts provides students with basic and advanced skills, practice, and experience to start a career in the culinary field. Students will also acquire skills to take on a supervisory role as they gain experience in the industry. They will learn in the classroom but largely through experiential sessions in the school’s professional kitchen. Areas of study include hospitality supervision, sanitation and safety, basic food preparation, advanced food preparation, principles of food and beverage operations, dining room service, garde manager, saucier, principles of food and beverage controls, fundamentals of baking, international cuisine, purchasing for hospitality operations, nutrition for the food service professional, and culinary and catering management. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation so graduates will be eligible for entry-level pastry chef certification.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts AAS
Duration: 5 semesters
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Attend an admission interview with an Admission Representative
- Submit a completed application for admission to DCCCD
- Apply for admission to the Culinary Arts program
- Meet the high school graduation requirements or equivalent
- Take and pass an admissions assessment
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $948 annually for in-district students based on half-time attendance. The cost of books, fees, and uniforms is not included.
- Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspx
- Address: 1601 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215
- Phone: 214-378-1500
The Culinary School of Fort Worth
The Professional Culinary Arts program at The Culinary School at Fort Worth is the only one that emphasizes preparation for the real-world kitchen. The small class size is intentional to provide each student with one-on-one instruction and insight from professional chef instructors. Course topics include foundation techniques, plating, garde manager, advanced garde maanger, fresh pasta making, breads, custard, pies and tarts, scaling recipes, principles of Mise en Place, food cost, nutrition, healthy cooking and baking, special diets, micro/macro nutrient calcualtions, event planning, guest relations, fine dining, and buffet event. The off-site externship will comprise of 210 hours and will be conducted at sites such as The Meat Board, Just Encased, Legends, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, and others. Graduates will have two months of on-the-job experience and industry connections, a certificate of completion, 9 months of training from experienced chef instructors, certified culinary certification from the American Culinary Federation, SERVSAFE food protection manager certification, and job placement assistance.
Program overview:
Professional Culinary Arts
Duration: 9 months
Clock hours: 900 including 210 hours on the job training
Prerequisites:
- Complete the online admissions form and pay the application fee of $25
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED
- Submit a one-page essay on why you would like to attend The Culinary School of Fort Worth and the expectations of the program
- Provide one letter of recommendation indicating why the applicant would be a positive addition to the student body at The CSFTW
- Must have current Texas Food Handler’s Certificate
- Must be at least 17 years age
- Must be able to read and write English
Program cost:
The total program cost of $19,800 includes tuition, uniform fee, application fee, pastry kit, knife roll, and textbooks. Financial aid is available through federal aid, grants, and scholarships.
- Website: https://www.csftw.edu/
- Address: 6550 Camp Bowie Blvd #110, Fort Worth, TX 76116
- Phone: (817)737-8427
Franklyn D. Roosevelt
The Culinary Arts program at Franklyn Roosevelt high school covers safety and sanitation skills as required by the Dallas Health Code. Students are expected to meet the high sanitation standards as it relates to personal grooming and hygiene. Safety standards must extend to food preparation, service, and the food preparation environment in food service establishments. The food-prep lab is equipped with modern commercial food prep and service equipment for students’ use. A campus restaurant will give students the opportunity to prepare and serve lunches for special events. Training commences in Grade 9 where students will learn the basics of culinary arts for careers. Grade 10 coursework includes basic culinary skills, safety, sanitation, and terminology and commercial food service. Also included is the identification of tools and grocery items and the use of weights and measures in quantity cooking. Grade 11 coursework covers advanced production and presentation skills and self-management. The final component covered in Grade 12 includes management skills in a specialty such as a baker, nutritionist, chef, registered sanitarian, or other area.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts
Duration: 4 years
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school student enrolled in the ninth grade
- Must have an interest and food prep and service
- Must be a team player
- Must be able to follow directions
Program cost:
The program is free for high school students. Students may need to purchase uniforms and supplies.
- Website: https://www.dallasisd.org/domain/13271
- Address: 525 Bonnie View Road, Dallas, TX 75203
- Phone: (972) 925-6800