Basic culinary arts degrees can be attained in one of three levels of degree -- Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's -- which allow for greater flexibility in the chosen career path. Students learn a wide array of cooking and baking fundamentals and have the option to choose a specialization in the culinary field, such as wellness and sustainability, pastry arts, beverage service management, chocolatier or general food preparation. The degree allows graduates to pursue professional careers in either the kitchen or in managerial positions. Graduates with a Master's degree may teach culinary arts courses in various post-secondary schools.
Associate's and Bachelor's degrees are available in the area of baking and pastry arts and prepare students for future careers. The degree programs offer coursework in the fundamentals of baking and pastry arts as well as some liberal arts and basic management courses for those seeking to open or manage a bakery. Depending on the chosen culinary school, many institutions offer opportunities for hands-on experience in making the confections and potential internships to learn the ropes in both the front and the back of the house.
Degrees in food service management may be combined with specializations in general culinary arts or in pastry and baking. The degree allows a graduate to obtain a position in an existing establishment as a manager or head chef in a restaurant or school food service department. The student studies various culinary courses to include subjects such as nutrition, cost efficient food production, restaurant food ordering, inventory, food production, perfecting the palette and pastry arts.
If your dream is to someday own and operate your own restaurant, a degree in food service entrepreneurship may be the right fit for you. The coursework often includes classes in accounting and budgeting, traditional management, marketing, food production, nutrition and health requirements in compliance with federal, state and local health departments. The degree may be used for food service management careers as well as executive chef positions and jobs in restaurant management.