Associate's degree programs are commonly offered by culinary arts colleges. They're traditionally one- to two-year programs geared toward preparing students for more coursework leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in more focused culinary arts fields. Associate programs can focus on such subjects as restaurant and hospitality management, baking and pastry as well as professional catering. Four-year culinary arts bachelor's degree programs focus on management-level culinary arts training.
Le Cordon Bleu is perhaps the most well-known culinary arts institution, with 35 schools across the globe. There are many culinary arts schools across the U.S. that offer associate's degrees in culinary arts, including Scottsdale Culinary Institute and Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. An associate's degrees in restaurant and hospitality management can be pursued at Sullivan University, which also offers a program leading to an associate's degree in professional catering. Kendall College offers associate's degrees in baking and pastry as well as bachelor's degrees in the culinary arts.
Cooking colleges that offer culinary arts programs teach students the basics of cooking and food preparation. Knife skills, proper cooking procedures and general food nutrition are all subjects covered in coursework designed for beginner- to intermediate-level culinary arts programs. Many programs feature coursework that's more specialized in such fields as international cuisine, baking and pastry, and dining room operations.
Cooking colleges offer training that makes graduates more marketable for certain employment opportunities. Those who achieve an associate's degree in culinary arts will have an edge in competing for positions in restaurants, food production, kitchen management, shift supervision and catering. Completing courses in restaurant and hospitality management prepares students for entry-level careers in fields like restaurant and catering management, while completing baking and pastry coursework prepares students for employment as pastry chefs.