Many vocational schools offer a variety of programs of different areas, including culinary arts. These schools typically offer two-year associate degree programs, which focus more on hands-on instructions for students. Associate degree programs tend to give a basic approach toward cooking of all types and prepare you for further training in a specialized area. According to the Education-Portal website, vocational community colleges offering culinary programs include Houston Community College System, Northern Virginia Community College, College of Southern Nevada, Tarrant County College District, Austin Community College District and American River College.
A pastry chef learns how to make desserts of all types, including fancy wedding cakes and sugar sculptures. A pastry chef school teaches students how to expand their creative horizons to create new recipes. Some of the schools that offer pastry chef programs include Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, California Culinary Academy, Keiser University, Kendall College, Sullivan University, Culinary Academy of Long Island and The Institute of Culinary Education.
There are some schools that specifically cater to the needs of students interested in learning baking. After completing a program in baking, you will be eligible for restaurant jobs as a professional baker, of both sweet and savory items. Schools that offer programs in baking include The Art Institutes, Kendall College, Culinary Academy, Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts, Oregon Culinary Institute and Professional Culinary Institute.
A specialty cooking school teaches students to specialize in a particular culinary area such as Chinese, Thai, French, Italian, Indian or Japanese cuisine. Schools offering specialty programs in the United States include The French Culinary Institute, Kasma Loha-Unchit in San Francisco, Blue Ribbon School of Cooking, The Italian Culinary Academy and Natural Gourmet Institute For Health & Culinary Arts.