Students at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) can select from a 21-month associate's program or a 38-month program in culinary arts. Both programs train students in international culinary traditions and how to prepare cuisine from cultures around the world. Degree candidates begin their studies with courses in product knowledge, seafood and meat identification and basic cooking techniques and theories before moving into international cuisine studies, catering and banquet cuisine. Associate's degree students complete an 18-week externship at a restaurant between the first and second years of the program. The externship for bachelor's degree students is completed following the freshman year. Prior to senior year, all bachelor's degree students participate in a wine and food seminar in California, Spain or Italy. Applicants need about six months of experience in a kitchen before enrolling in the program and must submit high school transcripts, recommendation letters and SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. Need- and merit-based financial aid is available .
Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499
845-452-9430
ciachef.edu
The School of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University awards two- and four-year degrees. The culinary arts programs are offered at the university's Providence, RI, campus. JWU notes on its website that it is the first school in the United States to offer a culinary arts bachelor's degree. Students of culinary arts learn about nutrition and proper sanitation as well as preparation of classical French, European, and international cuisine. Internships are also required of all JWU degree candidates. The bachelor's degree program trains students in advanced food preparation skills as well as hospitality. Students select from concentrations including tourism, resort management and nutrition and wellness cuisine. JWU graduates are prepared for careers as chefs, restaurant managers, banquet managers and caterers.
Johnson & Wales University
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903
800-DIAL-JWU
jwu.edu
The associate's and bachelor's degree programs in culinary arts at the New England Culinary Institute (NECI) give students the opportunity to gain experience at the school's restaurants and resort hotel. Paid 700-hour internships are provided to NECI students. Graduates intern at restaurants in New York, Boston, Miami and the Napa Valley area in California. NECI notes on its website that students benefit from a 10:1 student/teacher ratio.
New England Culinary Institute
56 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
877-223-NECI
neci.edu