Culinary Bachelor Degree: Requirements to Complete a Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts

Published Sep 07, 2009

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Culinary Arts bachelor's degree programs prepare students for careers as executive and sous chefs, food researchers, personal chefs and food service managers. If you're interested in becoming a skilled Culinary professional, read on to find out what's required to earn a bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts.

Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts

Relevant Culinary Coursework

Culinary Arts bachelor's degree programs combine applied and theoretical instruction to best prepare students for their culinary careers. Most degree programs offer classroom lectures, hands-on practice and internships in Culinary Arts. Students are educated fully in various culinary techniques and styles. They also learn about regional cooking, nutrition, menu selection and development, food safety, the history and culture of global cuisine, food marketing and restaurant operations. Sample courses include wine studies, pastry and dessert baking, cooking for banquets and catering, hospitality service management, food purchasing, garde manger (cold dishes), meat identification and food science. Degree programs also include general education courses, like foreign language, marketing, economics and interpersonal communication. These help students meet strategic business goals in their culinary careers.

Practical Food Service Experience as a Chef Intern

In addition to the extensive hands-on classroom cooking practice offered in Culinary Arts bachelor's degree programs, students may also gain a variety of practical culinary experience through related programs and offerings outside of class. Internships as sous chefs, personal chefs, food service executives, pastry chefs or beverage service managers are mandated or encouraged in virtually all Culinary Arts degree programs. Many institutions operate on-site restaurants, allowing students to gain experience in cooking a variety of cuisine types and styles, restaurant operations and customer service environs. Students may also participate in relevant extracurricular activities, including national cooking and recipe competitions and field trips to learn about regional cuisine.

Additional Certification in Culinary Arts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job market for chefs at upscale restaurants is likely to be highly competitive in coming years. Graduates of Culinary Arts bachelor's degree programs can advance their careers and increase their viability as industry professionals by enrolling in continuing education courses. The American Culinary Foundation (ACF), www.acfchefs.org, offers professional certifications that can be earned by attending classes counting toward continuing education credit hours. Course topics include wedding cake construction, Latin cuisine, fundamentals of chocolate, culinary safety and supervision, vegetarian cuisine, food and wine pairing, food service retail packaging and gluten-free cooking.

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