Culinary School FAQ

For those who have a strong passion for cooking amazing foods, culinary school is an excellent place to improve the craft and hone new skills.  By attending a culinary school, you are telling prospective employers that you’re serious about making cooking a long term career. While becoming a professional cook may be a challenging road, it can also be a very rewarding job both personally and financially. If you’re considering attending culinary school but would like to learn more, take a few moments to review some of the most frequently asked questions prospective students are asking.

How Long Does it Take to Complete Culinary School?

The length of time spent in culinary school depends on the degree you’re hoping to earn. To earn a certificate or basic diploma, plan to attend culinary school for around a year. These programs offer students the fundamental tools and skills they will need to obtain entry level positions in a restaurant environment. Learn about mise en place, proper cutting techniques, how to prepare simple dishes, and how to use kitchen equipment safely.

Associate's degrees in the culinary arts will generally take two years or more while a bachelor's can take up to four years to complete. Accelerated programs are available, however, that will allow you to earn a bachelor's in a fraction of the time a typical degree program would take. For degrees like these, be prepared to take on a more diverse selection of courses such as restaurant operations, management training, and much more. Many who attend school to become a chef will take foreign language courses to have a better grasp on cooking vernacular or study psychology to gain deeper insights into the minds of restaurant patrons and coworkers.

Do I Need to Go to Culinary School to Become a Chef?

While going to culinary school may expedite the task of becoming a chef, many do choose to step into this position through years of hard work and direct experience in a restaurant. Being promoted from a prep or line cook to chef may take several years, but the advantage is that you’re making money while getting a sense of how the career will be. The downside to this approach is there will likely be little time on the job to try new dishes or experiment as customer orders will always take precedent. However, the professional relationships you will build and the knowledge gained are well worth it.

How Much Does Culinary School Cost?

The price of your education in this field will vary according to the school chosen and the coursework required. Whether you choose to attend a university or a culinary school, take the time to carefully weigh your options before committing to paying tuition. Take into account the cost of books, supplies, cooking utensils, transportation, food and fees for parking or a student ID. To help alleviate the price of culinary school, look into any scholarships or grants that you may qualify for.

What Are Some Majors Available in Culinary Arts?

  • Baking and Pastry
  • Hospitality Management
  • Food Service & Restaurant Management

These majors are typically augmented with additional courses in business management, finance, and psychology.

Should I Work Before Attending Culinary School?

The best way to get a sense of what it's like to be a chef is to spend some time in a real kitchen. Students will receive some hands-on training in culinary school, but working in a busy restaurant gives students great insights into what to expect from the career. Learn more about kitchen etiquette, handling high volume food orders and managing your time effectively. With a little real life experience under your belt, you'll feel much more confident heading into a new job following graduation. Employers will also feel less reluctant to hire an individual who possess even a small amount of experience as a line cook or performing prep work.

What Kind of Skills Can I Acquire in Culinary School?

Everything you would hope to learn about cooking is provided at today’s best culinary schools. Expect to create authentic cuisine from around the world, learn about wine, pairings, pastries, etiquette, making a menu, running a restaurant, food safety, and so much more. You will learn about some of the most innovative chefs in history, how food has changed over time, and what the future of the culinary arts will hold.

Are you interested in a career as a chef? Contact ECPI University today to begin earning your Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.  Our comprehensive degree programs will ensure you hit the ground running upon graduation, prepared, confident and eager to take on any challenges you may face. Gain the skills you need to excel in an increasingly competitive job market full of boundless possibilities. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Culinary Arts TODAY!

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Gainful Employment Information – Culinary Arts - Associate’s

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