With the closing of Pittsburgh's branch of Le Cordon Bleu, the International Culinary School at the Art Institute (artinstitutes.edu/pittsburgh) has become the best-known place to study the culinary arts. The programs here range from a fundamental course for a diploma to more advanced studies that culminate in an Associate of Science degree, and Bachelor of Science degree programs in the related fields of culinary management or hotel and restaurant management. Studies begin with knife and hand skills and sanitation and safety practices. Building on that foundation, students master the basics of several cuisines, including American regional, Latin American, classical European and Asian. Upon graduation, students awarded the associate degree are ready to seek such entry-level food preparation positions as line cook, prep cook or first cook.
The Community College of Allegheny County (ccac.edu) offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in the culinary arts. In addition to food courses, students must complete basic classes in English, mathematics, biology and psychology for a total of 67 credits. The food preparation program includes both classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as an externship of at least 300 hours. If a student has other obligations, a part-time schedule can be accommodated.
First established by the Bidwell Street Presbyterian Church and the Manchester community in 1968 as a place for disadvantaged residents to learn the construction trades, the Bidwell Training Center (bidwell-training.org) now provides training in many fields. After earning a diploma in the culinary arts, a student should be able to embark on entry-level employment in the food industry. The center holds information sessions for prospective students at 9 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday at 1815 Metropolitan Street.
For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, Chatham University (chatham.edu) offers a Master of Arts degree in food studies. The school's emphasis is on food grown by sustainable agriculture and the sociological, cultural, political and environmental impact of food production and consumption. Most of the learning takes place at the 388-acre Eden Hall farm and campus in Richland Township, outside Pittsburgh. Eden Hall was a gift from the H.J. Heinz family. Graduates of the program have become vegan chefs, food writers, political activists, food marketers and nutritionists.