Becoming a chef in a professional kitchen starts with a passion for cooking and a range of experience cooking – even if it is limited to your own kitchen or that of friends or family. Your background and style will also have a telling influence on your career as a chef. A culinary program may be the final key that defines your success in the industry as you’ll develop techniques and learn industry terminology, teamwork, and professionalism.
Whether you enroll in a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree culinary program, you’ll learn the basics of food preparation and service. Degree programs will cover intermediate and advanced techniques in the various aspects of preparing food as well the qualities needed to lead teams and establishments. Most programs also include an externship as part of the curriculum, giving students the opportunity to work in a food service establishment and build a professional network.
Walnut Hill College
The Culinary Arts program at Walnut Hill College leads to an Associate of Science degree. Students will learn the fundamentals of composing dishes through courses and develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. Course topics include Intro to Culinary Arts, Vegetables and Starch, Shellfish, Meats, Bread and Pastry, World Dining Production, Market Production, Introduction to Culinary Techniques, Intro to Wines, Purchasing and Cost Control, and Sanitation. General Education courses including Introductory French, Strategies for Success, College Math, English Composition, Culture of France, The Leading Supervisor, and Shaping American Cultures. Students will complete a tour of France for experiential learning. The tuition paid travel gives students the opportunity to study with international professionals and experience some of the finest dinings in Europe. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in restaurants, hotels, catering services, banquet halls, and resorts.
Program overview:
Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
Duration: 60 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Meet with an Admissions Advisor
- Provide proof of age – must be at least 17 years old to enroll. Applicants must provide a photo ID
- Must have a high school diploma – submit official high school transcript or GED
- Submit a completed application and application fee of $50
- Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors, employers or supervisors
- Submit standardized test scores – SAT (900 or higher) ACT (19 or higher) or schedule an appointment to take an entrance exam
- Submit a 250-word typed essay outlining goals upon graduating from Walnut Hill
- Pay the registration fee of $150
Program cost:
In-state tuition and fees cost $45,800. Books and supplies cost an additional $795.
Website: https://www.walnuthillcollege.edu/
Address: 4207 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215.222.4200
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
The Food Service Training program at JNA Institute of Culinary Arts combines classroom instruction with hands on training on site as well as through an externship at a local restaurant. Students will practice their new skills in the school’s kitchen in a simulated restaurant where they will prepare meals for classmates, staff and guests. Course topics include stocks, preparation, the cooking process, breakfast cookery, yeast dough, cookies, lab series, job readiness, interpersonal skills, and cooking science. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment in various food service operations.
Program overview:
Food Service Training Diploma
Duration: 30 weeks
Credit hours: 31.5
Clock hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application with thorough responses to the essay questions
- Submit official high school transcripts or submit original high school diploma for a copy to be made
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Supply standardized test scores Sat (800 or better) or ACT (16 or better) or make an appointment to take the Wonderlic SLE
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Submit one personal and one professional or educational recommendation
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $14,500. The registration fee is $75 and supplies cost an estimated $310.
Website: https://www.culinaryarts.edu/
Address: 1212 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
Phone: 215-468-8800
Email: Admissions@CulinaryArts.edu
Community College of Philadelphia
The Culinary Arts program at the Community College of Philadelphia leads to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Students will acquire knowledge and experience to work in the foodservice industry. Course topics include Food Service Safety and Sanitation, Introduction to Hospitality Industry, Elementary Food Preparation, Principles and Practices, Quantity Food Preparation, Elementary Baking and Pastry, Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle, Food History, Dining Room Management, Advanced Food Production, and Food, Beverage Management. General education requirements can be met through the completion of the courses outlined in the program map. Students will learn of the range of career options to which they can gain further knowledge through work experience and continued learning. Graduates will be prepared to assume entry-level employment as a chef, cook, or kitchen worker in schools, restaurants, hotels, and other settings. The program is approved by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
Program overview:
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Culinary Arts
Duration: 60 weeks
Credit hours: 65
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit official high school transcripts
- Take and pass the placement tests
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
Program cost:
Tuition costs approximately $2,659 per semester for Philadelphia residents. It includes tuition, technology fee, and general college fee.
Website: https://www.ccp.edu/
Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-751-8000
Mercy Career and Technical High School
The Culinary and Pastry Arts CTE program at Mercy CTE is designed for students who plan to pursue post-secondary education in culinary or pastry arts for a career in the food service industry. Areas of study include menu planning, sanitation skills, industry standards for food preparation, inventory control, basic cooking and food preparation, business efficiencies, and techniques in preparing pastries, custards, bread, and pies.
Students will also learn the theory of raw ingredients and their purposes and structure, proper use of baking equipment and tools, and safety precautions. The emphasis on project-based learning will give students opportunities to provide in-house catering for special events. Mercy CTE is part of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), which means students will compete in cooking competitions and focus on professional development through associations with well-known chefs. The program is open to high school students.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Certificate
Duration: 2 years
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application
- Submit academic information – report cards for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
- Submit standardized testing results
- Submit any or all disciple reports or records
- Submit a letter of recommendation from the 8th-grade teacher
- Schedule and attend an interview to learn more about Mercy Tech and tuition assistance
Program cost:
Tuition costs $8,640 including the learning materials fee, activity fee, and CTE lab fee.
Website: https://www.mercycte.org/
Address: 2900 West Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: 215.226.1225
Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Drexel University offers a BS in Culinary Arts & Science designed to address the critical scientific and business issues surrounding the food industry. Students will gain knowledge of all functional areas including classic methods and contemporary techniques, food systems and chemical, biological and physical processes which will prepare them for leadership positions across the industry. Course topics include Culinary Fundamentals, Techniques and Traditions, Advanced Culinary Studio, Foundations of Professional Baking, Grade Manager Laboratory, Butchery Lab, A la Carte, and Science of Food and Cooking. The program is a certified Culinology® program through the Research Chefs Association.
Program overview:
BS in Culinary Arts & Science
Duration: 4 years
Credit hours: 185
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit official high school transcripts
- Take and pass the placement tests
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Must have completed three years of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
- Must have completed one year of laboratory science (biology, chemistry, or physics)
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $17,956.
Website: https://drexel.edu/cnhp/
Address: 1601 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215.895.2000
OIC Philadelphia
OIC Philadelphia seeks to provide adults of all skills levels with the background and experience needed to start a successful career in the food service industry. The culinary arts program equips students with entry-level job skills and interpersonal and communication skills to succeed in the food service industry. The training emphasizes food sanitation, cooking and baking, banquet and meal planning, and food purchasing. Students will learn how to prepare and turnout stocks, soups, and sauces as well as meats, poultry, and fish. Portion control, food costing and control, and purchasing specification are also covered. The training will be conducted in a fully equipped commercial kitchen. Students will have the opportunity to take the ServeSafe Certification exam.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Certificate
Duration: 16 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must possess positive interviewing, communications, and interpersonal skills
- Present an appropriate overall appearance
- Take and pass the entrance exam demonstrating proficient literacy and math skills
- Must commit to following the school’s professional dress code policy – a black dress slacks or skirt, white dress shirt, tie, and blazer
- Must have a valid state ID
Program cost:
Tuition is free for eligible students – made available through scholarships provided by Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. Students must purchase uniforms and utensils at an estimated cost of $230.
Website: https://www.philaoic.org/
Address: 1231 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-236-7700
Email: hello@philaoic.org
Montgomery County Community College
Montgomery County Community College’s Culinary Arts Degree Program prepares students for entry-to mid-level positions in the food service industry. The program includes hands-on instruction and experiential activities in the student-operated restaurant to support the development of the culinary skills that are essential for success in the industry. Major requirements include culinary foundations, safety and sanitation, advanced culinary techniques, management and supervision, garde manager, menu planning, global cuisines, culinary entrepreneurship, management and supervision, restaurant operations, and safety and sanitation. Upon completion of the program, graduates will proficient in the use of culinary terminology and classroom cooking methods, demonstrate costing techniques for menu design and food service, demonstrate proper ethical purchasing and procurement, and use appropriate safety and sanitation practice as it relates to the industry.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Duration: 2 years (full-time) 3 years (part-time)
Credit hours: 69-70
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must have a valid state photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $13,370 for in-county residents. Books, supplies, and uniforms must be added to the cost.
Website: https://www.mc3.edu/
Address: 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone: 215-641-6300
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College’s Culinary Arts associate degree program is designed for students to reach their culinary career goals. A combination of academic courses, hands-on training and an optional intern- or externship helps students develop knowledge and skills in food preparation, customer service, cooking and baking, and safety and sanitation in a professional kitchen. Course topics include Food Sanitation and Safety Supervision, Baking and Pastry Foundations, Menu Planning and Cost Control, Professional Cooking, Garde Manager, Culinary Externship, Nutrition and the Hospitality Industry, and International Cuisine. Graduates will be able to use and understand culinary technology, identify food products and their common uses, apply the principles of good nutrition, and maintain safe food handling practices.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science
Duration: 4 semesters
Credit hours: 61-62
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must possess positive interviewing, communications, and interpersonal skills
- Present an appropriate overall appearance
- Take and pass the entrance exam demonstrating proficient literacy and math skills
- Must commit to follow the school’s professional dress code policy – a black dress slacks or skirt, white dress shirt, tie, and blazer
- Must have a valid state ID
Program cost:
Tuition costs $7,750 for residents of sponsoring school districts and $15,500 for Pennsylvania residents.
Website: https://www.dccc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/business-computing-social-science/culinary-arts
Address: 901 S. Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-359-5278