The major pros for attaining an online degree in culinary arts are the independence, flexibility and convenience the degree programs offer. All of the listed programs allow students to customize the program to their needs and to manage their own time outside of their busy lives. This is clearly advantageous as compared to a more strict on-campus schedule. However, online degrees, particularly in a hands-on field like culinary arts, lack the kind of in-person guidance and training available at a traditional college.
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program is one of the more established culinary and hospitality education centers in the world. While the school itself has several locations, the online program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management. The degree is available to students who already have an associate's degree from an accredited cooking school. Therefore, it is a great program for students who are already trained in cooking and are looking to advance their careers.
Unlike Le Cordon Bleu, Virginia College's online program does offer a bachelor's degree without the prerequisite of an associate's degree. This program offers flexible scheduling and practical training. The cost is about $400 per credit hour, with limited financial aid available. The school claims to place 90 percent of graduates in a job within their field.
The Art Institute also offers a bachelor's degree via their online culinary program. Specifically, students can attain a degree in several different culinary fields: culinary arts, restaurant management, baking and pastry and food and beverage management. This range of options allows for students to customize their degrees and helps the Art Institute keep a solid record of employment after the program. The cost is around $390 per credit.