FAQ on Culinary Education

1. Can I not learn on the job? Do I need to go to culinary school?

Culinary school teaches you the basics in culinary arts. It gives you the theoretical as well as practical training. Culinary schools give the students an opportunity to learn in real kitchens under pressure. Externship is provided to culinary students after the end of their culinary arts program. Without formal education, on the job learning is limited to the menu the place where you are working dishes out. Most prospective employers require students who have acquired some diploma or degree in culinary arts from culinary schools.

2. Is accreditation necessary for a cooking school?

A culinary school which has been accredited has recognition and maintains the standards which are required of educational institutions. The accredited culinary schools have complied with the guidelines set by the commission who have the authority to accredit the culinary schools in regards to curriculum, school faculty, fee structures. Prospective employers give preference to students who passed out from accredited culinary schools over non-accredited culinary schools.

3. What type of culinary school should I choose?
 
First look out for culinary schools which have got accreditation. Others points to consider are check the curriculum of the program which you desire to pursue and whether it is according to your likings. Check the student faculty ratio. Talk to current students and faculty. Check the fee structure whether you can afford it. Check out the culinary courses in action.

4. What type of program would be suitable for me?

The type of culinary program suitable for you depends upon what you want to be in your life. If you dream of becoming a chef then culinary arts program is for you. If you desire to make pastries, bread, confectioners then along with culinary arts program you should also do baking & pastry arts program. If you want to learn new international or ethnic cuisines then recreational courses are for you. The basic program you need to do is culinary arts for any kind of role you want to play in food industry.

5. Other than chef as a career what other careers can I go for after completing program in culinary arts?

Food writer, food stylist, food photographer, food critic, food research/science, research and development, food consulting, food publishing and television, wedding cake decorator and ice cream maker.