A career in the culinary arts starts with some kind of training or experience. It might be an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or a certificate or diploma that covers the fundamentals of the commercial kitchen and food hygiene and safety. You might have an opportunity to skip culinary school and acquire knowledge and skills in the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen, but learning under pressure is not ideal for everyone. Culinary schools provide knowledge that will smooth the transition into a professional kitchen. A passion for food and cooking are all well and good, but technical skills and knowledge obtained from leading chefs at culinary schools will pave the way for a successful career in the industry.
There are several types of culinary programs with varying price tags attached. Financial aid may be available in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants. Degree programs are worthwhile if your long-term goal is to become an executive chef or own a restaurant. They can be pricey with no return on investment if you don’t raise your limit beyond that of a line cook or similar entry-level position.
Culinary Tech Center
The Commercial Cooking Plus Externship program offered by the Culinary Tech Center teaches culinary arts fundamentals that will enable graduates to enter the food service industry as prep cooks, grill cooks, line cooks, and other entry-level positions. The nationally accredited program covers 600 contact hours of instruction in the classroom and an off-site internship to develop culinary skills. Experienced instructors will emphasize learning by doing especially on the practical side of commercial food preparation. Graduates will be prepared for the NYC Food Handler’s Certification Exam. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Commercial Cooking Plus Externship
Duration: 2 quarters full-time or 3 quarters part-time
Contact hours: 600 hours
Courses:
Introduction to Commercial Cooking, Food Preparation, Food Selection, Handling, and Cooking, Displaying and Serving Prepared Foods, Catering, Maintaining Proper Health and Sanitation Standards, Quantity Food Production, Externship
Prerequisites:
- A desire to pursue higher education
- Have a valid high school credential or equivalent
- Attend a Personal Admission Interview and campus tour
- Must be U.S. Citizen, legal resident, or be legally eligible to study in the United States
- Must be at least 18 years old at the class start date or be 17 years old with parental consent
- Pay the registration fee of $100
- Complete an Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $13,950. Other costs include books, kit and uniform, registration, and lab fee. The estimated total program cost is $16,250. Scholarships are available for eligible students.
Website: https://culinarytechcenter.edu/
Address: 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 646-559-855
Email: info@edtraining.com
Culinary Institute of New York
The Associate Culinary Arts curriculum at CINY is built on the principles of pride, passion, and professionalism. The program delivers technical, theoretical, and practical knowledge that will enable graduates to make an impact in the industry. As a part of the program, students will gain hands-on experience at the student-run café and have the opportunity to be selected for the yearly ACF competition. Due to the program’s accreditation with the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute, graduates will automatically gain certification as Certified Culinarians (CC) by that organization. Admissions to the award-winning institute is highly competitive. Applications are submitted from candidates around the world, so applicants must demonstrate an interest and passion for the culinary arts.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts (AAS)
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 60
Courses:
General education: College Writing and Critical Analysis, Analytical Thinking, Writing, and Research, Professional Writing and Presentation, Electronic Spreadsheet, Quantitative Reasoning, Personal Financial Management, Liberal Arts Elective, Open Elective
Major courses: Introduction to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Restaurant Operations Management, Culinary Arts I (Lecture), Culinary Arts I (Lab), Baking Fundamentals for Culinary Students, Culinary Arts II, Culinary Arts III, Culinary Arts Practicum, Techniques of Nutritional and Healthy Cooking, Fine Dining Internship, Major Area Elective
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an online application with a personal essay
- Submit a high school transcript or diploma
- Pay the non-refundable admission fee of $35
- Submit professional references
- Attend an interview with CINY’s Dean
- Provide documents to determine eligibility for financial aid
- Take the one-hour placement test after acceptance to the program
- Attend the registration appointment
Program cost:
Tuition costs $7,488 per semester. Other costs include books, kit and uniform, and registration. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: http://ciny.monroecollege.edu/
Address: 434 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: (800) 556-6676
International Culinary Center
Students enrolled in the Professional Culinary Arts program at the International Culinary Center will obtain real-world knowledge for entry-level employment in the culinary industry. The award-wining program covers 600 hours of instruction including 400 hours on-site and 200 hours at an off-site location. There will be an emphasis on fine cooking, classic cooking techniques, terminology, and relevant food history. Practical instruction is a critical part of the training. Committed instructors will demonstrate cooking techniques paving the way for students to successfully create dishes. Coursework will include pastry and desserts, knife skills, vegetables, grains, and stocks and sauces. Students will be prepared for National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification. Various class schedules are available. The daytime schedule meets Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm for 6 months. Up to four part-time evening schedules are available. The Monday through Friday schedule meets 5:45 pm to 10:45 pm for 6 months. Two evening schedules meet three days a week for 9 months. The final evening schedule meets Tuesday and Thursday for 14 months.
Program overview:
Professional Culinary Arts
Duration: 6 months
Contact hours: 600
Courses:
Introduction to Culinary Techniques, Knife Skills, Food Safety, Poaching, Grilling, Blanching, Frying, Seasonality, Sustainability, and Nutrition, Cheese, Wine and Spirits, Food Costing and Menu Planning, Menu and Plating Design, Buffet, Charcuterie and Volume Cooking, Staff Meal, Kitchen Math Skills, Portion Sizing, Seasonal and International Dishes, Skills for Consistency and Refinement, Externship at top NYC locations
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $100
- Provide a copy of health insurance card
- Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Provide documentation of Hepatitis A clearance
- Sign the enrollment agreement
- Complete the uniform order form
- Make arrangements to pay the cost of attendance no later than 60 days prior to orientation
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $39,900. It includes application fee, uniform, tool kit, supplies, family meals, chef demonstrations with volunteer opportunities, skills workshops, commencement ceremony, and ongoing career services. Financial aid is available for eligible students
Website: https://www.internationalculinarycenter.com/
Address: 462 Broadway New York, NY 10013
Phone: (888) 324-2433
Institute of Culinary Education
The Culinary Arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education is a combination of theory and practical instruction geared to prepare adults for employment in the culinary field. The curriculum consists of 650 instructional hours including 440 hours in the classroom and 210 hours of externship experience. There are 13 modules, each covering a specific skill such as knife skills, sauce making, pastry, baking, and others. Students will work with at least four chef instructors during the program. Hands-on experience is an essential part of the program. This goal is accomplished during the intensive on-site coursework followed by 210 hours of real-world training in hotels, restaurants, and other culinary businesses. ICE offers flexible class schedules to accommodate full-time students and working professionals. Morning, afternoon, and weekend classes are available. Morning classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm for 8 months. Afternoon classes meet Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for 8 months. Evening classes meet Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for 12 months. Weekend classes meet for 11 months.
Program overview:
Career Culinary Arts
Duration: 6 months
Contact hours: 650
Courses:
Culinary Fundamentals, Introduction to Fish, Poultry, and Meat, Sauces and Soups, Dry Heat Cooking Methods, Moist Heat Cooking Methods, Vegetables, Grains, and Legumes, Breakfast Cookery, Salads and Sandwiches, French Regional Cooking, Italian Regional Cooking, Cuisines of Asia, Advanced Cooking, Plating, and Presentation, Pastry and Baking Essentials, Contemporary Desserts, Charcuterie and Hors D’oeuvres, Culinary Masters and Market Basket, Externship
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation or GED. The diploma or transcript must indicate the date of graduation
- Documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal residence
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $40,660 for the morning schedule and $32,500 for the evening and weekend schedule. It includes all food, uniforms, books, knives, culinary tool kit, wine essentials series, application fee, and applicable taxes. Financial aid is available for eligible students
Website: https://www.ice.edu/
Address: 225 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10281
Phone: (888) 354-CHEF
How Long Does it Take To Become a Chef in New York City?
You can complete a professional culinary arts program in as little as 6 months. The program will include all the training you’ll need to qualify for entry-level employment. The right program will also set a foundation for continuing your culinary arts education to an associate or bachelor of science degree.
How Much is Culinary School in New York?
There are several factors that impact the cost of culinary schools. Some of them include the type of award conferred and type of school – whether public or private. In general, a 8-month culinary arts program in new York City could cost an average of $34,000. New York City programs cost more than those offered in nearby cities. You can reduce your tuition cost by attending a school in a nearby city and choosing a program that is eligible for financial aid.
What is The Most Prestigious Culinary School in New York?
The Culinary Institute of America is a world-renowned school that offer culinary programs designed to produce well-qualified professionals. Graduates qualify for competitive positions at some of the best restaurants. If you’re considering a culinary school in New York City, you might consider the Institure of Culinary Education, The Culinary Institute of New York, and Teh Culinary Tech Center. These offer excellent culinary arts programs taught by experienced and industry recognized faculty.
How to Get into Culinary School in New York?
The requirements for enrolling in a culinary arts programs are basic.
You must
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Pass an admissions assessment
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Have a passion for culinary arts
- Attend an admission interview
- Be able to meet the financial obligations of the program
How Much Does a Culinary Arts Graduate Make in New York?
The starting salary for a culinary arts graduate in New York is $47,450 depending on your education. Experienced chefs at top restaurants can earn as much as $93,570 in New York City.