If your love for food, desire for a creative outlet, and passion for service are calling you to the foodservice industry, then it might be time to enroll in a culinary arts school. Degree programs can be completed in as little as 24 months, so you can start working and living your dream much faster than it takes to work your way up in a culinary kitchen. The more comprehensive program will not only cover the competencies required for functioning a professional kitchen but also knowledge of the business side of things, such as business management, purchasing, communication, and marketing. A major benefit of enrolling in a culinary degree program is the career options available. You can work as a chef, but should your plans change, you can also work as a nutritionist, caterer health coach, farmer, teacher, or food writer.
There are numerous opportunities for culinary professionals in San Antonio. According to reports, it is the city’s second largest industry. The emphasis on tourism and nightlife means there will always be a demand for professional chefs.
The CIA San Antonio
The Associate in Culinary Arts degree program at CIA prepares students with core skills used by chefs. Students will learn how to prepare a wide assortment of dishes, use state-of-the-art equipment, and manage people. The 69-credit program covers 48 credits in culinary arts, 15 credits in liberal arts, and 6 credits in business management. Core requirements include food safety, culinary fundamentals, meat identification, seafood identification and fabrication, high volume production cookery, bakery and pastry skills development, garde manager, hospitality service and restaurant management, back of house restaurant operations, and cuisine and cultures of the Americas, Mediterranean, and Asia. Expert faculty will ensure students have opportunities for hands-on activities in the culinary arts including classic and contemporary cooking techniques, food systems, wine, production cooking, flavor and menu development, and work cuisines. An internship, covering one semester, will be conducted at one the CIA-approved business and an award-winning public restaurant.
Program overview:
Associate in Culinary Arts degree
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 69
Prerequisites:
- Applicants must meet the requirements for a high school diploma or GED credential
- Complete a medical exam within one year of the entry date. CIA will supply an exam form for this purpose. The completed form must be submitted to Student Health Services
- Complete the CIA application or Common Application
- Provide an up-to-date resume. This requirement is for students with experience in the foodservice industry
- Submit a personal statement between 200 to 500 words. The state must highlight the applicant’s passion for the food and hospitality industry, experience in the industry, and how the experience has prepared for the program at CIA
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $50
- Have an employer, teacher or professional colleague complete a character recommendation using the CIA form online or PDF form. The recommendation should address the applicant’s commitment to the food industry, problem-solving ability, and persistence in work or academics
- Submit official high school transcripts and any transcripts from colleges or u universities attended
- Submit SAT and/or ACT scores – recommended
Program cost:
The program cost of $76,586 includes tuition, application, supplies, board, student support services, exam fees, and student accident insurance for four semesters. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.ciachef.edu/
Address: 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, Suite 2102, San Antonio, TX 78215
Phone: 210-554-6400
The Art Institute of San Antonio
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts program at The Art Institute of San Antonio covers classical cuisine techniques as well as international cuisine to prepare students for employment in the field. Students will explore various world cuisines and use ingredients and techniques from different cultures. Expert faculty will emphasize production and individual skills. Program courses include fundamentals of classical techniques, concept and theories of culinary techniques, management by menu, sustainable purchasing and controlling costs, American regional cuisine, management supervision and career development, Asian cuisine, food and beverage operations management, art culinaire, and word cuisine. Students must complete 20 credit hours of general education courses, and 4 credit hours from the humanities history elective.
Program overview:
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree
Duration: 6 quarters
Credit hours: 90
Prerequisites:
- Must meet with an admissions representative and attend a campus tour
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit official high school transcripts and any applicable college transcripts
- Submit a copy of your resume detailing any experience in the food service industry
- Complete a physical to demonstrate health status
- Provide at least one recommendation – professional or academic
- Submit a completed application and fee
- Submit an essay outlining career goals. Must be at least 250 words
- Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
The program cost of $48,150 includes tuition and lab fees. Other costs include application fee, insurance, uniforms, textbooks, and materials. The tuition rate is valid for students who complete the requirements in the normal timeframe. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/san-antonio
Address: 10000 IH-10 West, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78230
Phone: 888.222.0040
St. Philip’s College
The Culinary Arts program at St Phillip’s College prepares students for various careers in the visitor and hospitality. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission and has been in exemplary status for 7 years. Students will develop the skills and competencies to function efficiently in the culinary arts industry. They will be prepared for entry-level employment as a fine dining chef, caterer kitchen manager, personal chef, or research and development chef. Course topics include introduction to foods, basic food preparation, introduction to the hospitality industry, sanitation and safety, professionalism in the hospitality industry, professional cooking and dining room services, hospitality legal issues, principles of food and beverage controls, introduction to ethics, nutrition, hospitality management and leadership, garde manager, fundamentals of baking, and international cuisine. Final semester courses include management of food production and service, advanced pastry shop, and practicum culinary arts. Graduates will be eligible for Certified Culinarian status from the American Culinary Federation due to the school’s exemplary status.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 5 semesters
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admissions online for St Phillip’s College
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA)
- Submit official transcripts with test scores and graduation date
- GED graduates must submit official GED certification with scores from Texas Education Agency
- Log into ACES – when access is granted
- Activate AlamoNAVIGATE to determine the steps for registration
- Submit proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
- Complete the Go FAARR module
- Complete and pass the TSI Placement test to determine college-level math and writing
- Sign up for orientation
- Meet with a Certified Advisor before registering for classes
- Must meet with an admissions representative and attend a campus tour
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $99 per semester credit hour for in-district students. Other costs include application fee, insurance, uniforms, textbooks, and materials. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.alamo.edu/spc/
Address: 811 W Houston St, San Antonio, Texas, 78207-3051
Phone: (210) 486-2319
Sam Houston High School
The Culinary Arts Practicum at Sam Houston High School builds on the fundamentals and principals of the arts of cooking, management and production skills and techniques. Both hands-on skills in the lab and real-life applications during scheduled internships in food establishments prepare students for entry into the food service industry. Course topics include safety and sanitation, catering, cost/control, knife skills, cooking techniques, professional ethics and legal responsibilities, and life choice and career goals. To successfully complete this course, the student is expected to master 70% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students who successfully complete the program will receive certificates from the Pro start program.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Practicum
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: N/A
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school senior
- Must be a resident of Texas
- Must have a valid Id and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition is free but students must be prepared to purchase the required materials for the course.
Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/006.homepage
Address: 4635 E. Houston St., San Antonio, Texas 78220
Phone: (210) 978-7900
Fax: (210) 228-3005
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts program at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts takes a hands-on approach to teaching. Students will gain experience on area farms through the school’s Farm To Table® experience and in neighborhood restaurants a scheduled externship. Course topics include culinary foundations, regional cuisines, culinary arts, the science of nutrition, professional communications, culinary entrepreneurship, world history and culture, farm to table experience, restaurant operations, culinary industry externship I, college algebra, culinary industry externship II, and technical writing. The externship covers 12 weeks of total program hours. Graduates will be prepared for employment in various culinary industry roles in restaurants, resorts, hotels, country clubs, and other food service establishments. Classes meet Monday through Friday.
Program overview:
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree
Duration: 60 weeks
Quarter credit hours: 90
Clock hours: 1340
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission
- Sign the AESCA Enrollment Agreement – inclusive of written permission of parent or guardian if under 18
- Provide proof of high school completion – high school diploma, GED, official college transcript
- Attend an admission interview
- Attend a tour of the facility
- Provide a record of previous education and training
- Complete the Information Release Form
- Pay the application fee
- Demonstrate English proficiency
Program cost:
The program cost of $32,448 includes tuition, uniform, tool kit, course packs, and application fee. Other costs for textbooks and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.escoffier.edu/
Address: 6020-B Dillard Circle, Austin, TX 78752
Toll-Free: 1-866-552-2433
Phone: 512-451-5743
Email: admissionsaustin@escoffier.edu