There are several culinary institutes found around the United States that specialize specifically in the culinary arts. Some very well-known culinary institutes include the Culinary Institute of America, Le Cordon Bleu and the French Culinary Institute. These institutes have campuses in New York City and California. Programs at culinary institutes generally offer certificates and diplomas in the culinary arts and baking and pastry. They usually last from six to nine months, and prepare students to enter the culinary industry.
Some traditional colleges and universities that offer four-year degrees also have four-year programs in culinary arts. These programs typically result in an associate or bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts, culinary arts, food service management and culinary nutrition. University programs not only teach culinary skills but also tend to focus on front-of-the-house courses where you learn managerial skills associated with food service. Colleges and universities with a degree program in culinary arts include schools like Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Keiser University in Tallahassee and Sarasota and Southern New Hampshire University.
Many technical colleges offer certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in culinary arts and associated fields. Associate degrees are two-year programs that are offered at technical and community colleges and some traditional colleges and universities. Because it is considerably shorter than a four-year degree, associate degrees are a common choice for those who want more in-depth education than just certification or a diploma but are interested in getting into the culinary arts field faster. Some technical colleges that offer associate degrees in culinary arts include Sandford-Brown College in Boston, Ivy Tech State College in Indiana and Kendall College in Chicago.
Many art institutes offers culinary schools at locations throughout the United States and in Canada. They offer courses in culinary arts, restaurant management, hospitality management, culinary management and baking and pastry arts. An art institute's culinary program typically provides practical training in the culinary arts and training in a range of different international cuisines. Art institute culinary courses also provide training for line cooks, assistant bakers, garde managers, hotels, prep cooks and resorts. The programs available will vary depending on the campus.