Cooking schools train students in different aspects of the culinary arts: cooking, baking, restaurant management, catering, menu management and so forth. A professional culinary arts degree can help pave a career path in the competitive restaurant industry. If you plan to pursue a culinary career, carefully choose a school that will help you reach that goal.
Degrees
Determine what type of degree you need. Various culinary schools offer associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, diplomas, professional certification and other degree types. Base your choice on your personal career goals as well as the amount of time and money you are willing to invest in obtaining a degree. Bachelor's degrees tend to focus more on the business and management side of the restaurant industry, while two-year associate's degree programs are more common in the industry.
Focus
Ask about the focus of the degree. A general culinary arts degree will cover all the basic skills a chef needs to function in a professional kitchen. Some degrees, however, have a specific focus, such as baking and pastry, business and management, catering or other sub-fields within the culinary arts world. This is a personal decision that should take into account your career goals and main areas of cooking interest.
Cost
Tuition costs vary widely, depending on whether you attend a community college, a culinary institute or a public or private university. The website Cooking School 101 estimates that tuition could range from $2,000 to $45,000 per year. You also need to budget for other costs, including books, cooking equipment and room and board.
Location
Location can play an important role is choosing a cooking school. If a school you are considering offers internships or job placement upon graduation, get a sense of the restaurant scene in the area. The school's location can also dramatically affect your transportation, housing and food costs.
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