CULINARY ARTS PROGRAMS

Culinary Program Options: Finding the Right Program for You

If you have decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts by enrolling in a culinary program, you still have one decision left to make: which type of culinary program to choose. You have three main options, and each one prepares you for a different career path.

Culinary Arts Programs

Culinary arts programs prepare you for a career as a chef. In a culinary arts program, you learn basic food preparation techniques. You learn how to work with a variety of ingredients to prepare main courses and hors d'oeuvres.

Some typical classes for culinary arts degrees include sanitation and safety; culinary skills; preparation of stocks, soups, and sauces; meat, poultry, and fish preparation; baking and pastry preparation; wines and beverages; and restaurant customer service operations. Though most culinary arts students take some courses related to the business of running a restaurant, the program is much more focused around food.

Baking and Pastry Arts Programs

Baking and pastry arts programs cover some of the same basic food preparation topics as culinary arts programs, but the main focus is on desserts. This program prepares you for a career as a pastry chef. Courses in pastry arts programs include pastries and yeast doughs; chocolates and confections; cakes and desserts; and cookies and tarts.

Culinary Arts Management Programs

Culinary arts management programs prepare you for work as a restaurant manager. You might take courses in such topics as event management, technology, marketing, accounting and law, and customer service in addition to the culinary arts courses mentioned above.

No matter which culinary program you choose, you can look forward to a career in the exciting, vibrant restaurant industry.