Options for Culinary Arts Degrees

Before you decide on what culinary arts degree you want to take, you have to determine first what aspect you are most interested in. Keep in mind that culinary arts degrees are, in general, costly; their demands would also require you to be 100% dedicated to pursuing the goals you want

to achieve. There are a number of options for culinary arts degrees, and it would be a good idea to take a look at them all, so you can have an idea of the best one for you.

There are three basic types of culinary arts degrees to choose from: Bachelor’s degree programs, Associate’s degree programs, and certificate or diploma programs. Aside from deciding on the specific aspect of the culinary arts that you want to pursue, you also have to decide on how much time you are willing to dedicate in pursuing higher education in the culinary arts.

Bachelor’s degree programs are generally centered on the management aspect of the culinary arts and the food industry. These programs are designed to prepare the students for management or leadership positions in the competitive food industry, and generally take four years to complete. Some of the most common degree programs are Food and Beverage Management, Hospitality Management, Culinary Management, Baking and Pastry Arts Management, and Hotel and Restaurant Institutional Management.

Associate’s degree programs, on the other hand, usually take two years to complete. These are the most popular options for professionals who are already in the food industry, and want to gain more knowledge about it. If you want to learn about the industry as a whole, an Associate degree in Culinary Arts would be your best option. There are also associate programs involving advanced baking and pastry courses, as well as dining room or international cuisine operations.

Certificate or diploma programs generally take eight to 10 weeks to complete. These programs are available from culinary schools, community colleges, trade/technical schools or even traditional colleges or universities. Diploma or certificate programs are perfect for those who have limited time to pursue a complete degree in the culinary arts, those who want to get basic education for entry-level positions, or those who just want to train in specialized aspects of the industry.

Getting the culinary arts degree that best suits your needs and interests can open up a whole new exciting world for you. You will learn the practical and technical aspects of the industry necessary for you to become a successful food industry professional in the near future.

Article by Shannon Weaver, SmartSchoolFinder.com