The path to culinary greatness is paved with creativity and passion. Success is the fruit of hard work and the joy of creating new dishes that appeal to the senses. Another critical ingredient in the recipe for success is the skills you’ll gain through a reputable culinary program. Completing a culinary degree will give you an edge in a competitive industry. While it is possible to lean on your creativity to land a position as a cook without a culinary degree, your opportunities will be limited. Degree programs provide a well-rounded curriculum that includes training in communication, management, food sanitation, strategizing, and collaborating in addition to the core culinary arts courses.
A culinary degree is also beneficial if growth in the profession is a short-term or long-term goal. Throughout the program, you’ll develop valuable skills in international cuisine, baking, pastry, and others that you can use right away in high-end restaurants. The hospitality and management modules in the same program are also helpful if you plan to run your own business or seek to apply for a management position in the industry. Culinary degree graduates are more likely to pursue additional programs to increase their marketability in the sector.
Culinary Institute Inc.
The Culinary Arts Associate Degree offered by the Culinary Institute provides training in classic culinary techniques using modern innovations in technology and trends in global cuisine. Students will receive an introduction to baking and pastry art. Foundation courses include Fundamentals of Cuisine, Master Chefs, International Cuisine, Hospitality Courses, Management Courses, Academic Course, and Wine Fundamentals. Graduates will demonstrate the skills required for leadership, management, and marketing positions in the hospitality industry. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are offered. Full-time classes meet four hours a day on four days weekly.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Duration: 100 weeks
Quarter credits: 91
Prerequisites:
- Attend a campus tour and interview with an admissions representative
- Provide proof of completing high school or GED
- Submit official college transcripts of any courses completed
- Submit an Undergraduate Application for Admission form
- Take and pass the ACCUPLACER exam
- Schedule an appointment for a uniform fitting at the boutique
- Must have a valid picture ID
Program cost:
The estimated cost of tuition and fees is $11,988 per academic year. Books and supplies cost an additional $3,840. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to eligible students.
Website: https://culinaryinstitute.edu/
Address: 7070 Allensby St., Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-692-0077
Toll-Free: 1-888-LENOTRE® (536-6873)
The Art Institute of Houston
The Culinary Arts degree program at The Art Institute of Houston immerses students in an environment that is close to a real-world setting. The modern professional kitchen stocked with tools and equipment encourages the learning and development of the skills employers want. The curriculum’s emphasis on international flavors and techniques, the support of experienced faculty, and the comradery of other creatively driven students guide students’ preparation for a career they’ll love. Areas of study include culinary techniques, classical techniques, world cuisine, Latin cuisine, nutrition, sanitation and safety, garde manager, foodservice technology, baking and pastry techniques, art culture, planning and controlling costs, art Culinaire, and American regional cuisine.
Program overview:
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Duration: 6 quarters
Quarter credits: 90
Prerequisites:
- Meet with an Enrollment Counselor
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Sign the enrollment agreement
- Must be a high school graduate with a 2.0 high school GPA or have an official GED certificate
- Complete the Art Institute College Success Course Requirement (New Student Orientation Modules)
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $48,150 for students who enroll in 15 credit hours per semester and complete the program in normal time. The cost includes textbooks for all courses, basic entry equipment, and material.
Website: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/houston/academics/culinary/culinary-arts-degree-programs
Address: 4140 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027
Toll-Free: 800.275.4244
Houston Community College
Houston Community College’s Culinary Arts AAS program prepares adults for leadership positions in the hospitality industry. Through specialized classroom coursework and hands-on skills development, students will acquire competency in the preparation of various foods. Students will learn professional behavior and work ethics needed to compete in the industry, apply culinary techniques and differentiate the purpose of ingredients in preparing baked goods, identify, produce, and present professional-quality baked goods in a professional pastry shop. Courses include Learning Framework, Composition, Basic Food Preparation, Intermediate Food Preparation, Saucier, Garde Manger, Fundamentals of Baking, Purchasing for Hospitality Operations, Sanitation and Safety, Beverage Management, A La Carte Cooking, and much more. After completing the CHEF 1305, Safety and Sanitation module, students can take the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation ServSafe Certification exam to receive the ServSafe Health Certificate.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts, AAS
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for enrollment online
- Complete the Texas Success Initiative College Readiness Placement Test
- Attend a New Student Orientation
- Submit high school transcripts and transcripts of any college coursework completed
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,270 for in-district students who enroll in 15 credit hours per semester. Books, fees, uniform, and supplies must be added to the cost.
Website:https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/public-safety-transportation–consumer-services/culinary-arts/
Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
Phone: 713-718-02000
Barbara Jordan Career Center
The Culinary Arts program at Barbara Jordan Career provides essential skills students need to enter the hospitality industry. Designed for high school students in the 11th and 12th grades, the program prepares students for the workforce or to continue their education in a 2-year or 4-year college. Areas of study include baking, catering, ethnic cuisines, handling and choosing fresh meats, desserts, and restaurant management. Graduates will demonstrate the skills required to work in a professional restaurant. They will be eligible for ServSafe Manager Certification.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts and Advanced Culinary Arts, Certificate
Duration: 2 years
Prerequisites:
- Must be enrolled in the 11th grade
- Apply to the program after meeting with a counselor
- Must be serious about entering the industry
- Must have earned 12 credits before enrolling in the program
Program cost:
Tuition is free. Students may be required to purchase uniforms, books, and supplies.
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/59989
Address: 5800 Eastex Freeway Houston, TX 77026-1565
Phone: 713-636-6900
Fax: 713-636-691
San Jacinto College
The Culinary Arts program at San Jacinto College is unique in that it lets students work within the industry as they study. The curriculum provides basic education and training for cooks and apprentice chefs and emphasizes the development of technical food preparation and service skills. Course modules include Sanitation and Safety, Basic Good Preparation, Fundamentals of Baking, Quantity Procedures, Hospitality Supervision, Saucier, Nutrition, Introduction to Speech Communication, Food Service Management, and Practice. The program’s accreditation by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) gives students the assurance that it meets the standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum, and student services. The program is also certified by the American Culinary Federation and stands as the only community college program with this certification in Houston. Courses are delivered in a sequential order to support the gradual development of techniques used in the food industry. Graduates will be recognized as Certified ACF Culinarians.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts, AAS
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for enrollment online
- Must complete a meningitis vaccination or booster
- Send high school transcript and college transcripts to San Jacinto Records Management’s office
- Take and pass the TSIA exam to demonstrate college readiness in math, reading, and writing
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,270 for in-district students who enroll in 15 credit hours
Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/program/chef-training
Address: 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505
Phone: 281-998-6150
Email: Information@sjcd.edu