Culinary is defined as the art of cooking food. Today there are many career opportunities for chefs, and those in the management of food business. Thus pursuing a culinary arts degree may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in culinary arts.
Online Culinary Schools
Online programs provide flexible, home learning environment to students. They provide the convenience to avoid travel time and costs, and are also convenient for professionals with busy schedules. Online culinary schools provide training in basic culinary arts; which typically include chef techniques, kitchen organization, baking and pastry making, food planning, and hospitality management. The degrees offered in this field usually include various certificate, associates, bachelors, and masters programs.
Associates Of Science In Culinary Arts Degree
The associates program is designed to provide students with knowledge of cooking, baking, and hot food preparation. Along with that, the program teaches relevant management skills needed to work at a supervisory position in the hospitality and food service industry. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates may be able to:
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Apply nutrition principles in planning menu for different customers;
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Use computer and software applicable to the food industry;
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Understand the basic processes and layouts of making a commercial kitchen;
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Understand various laws governing employment;
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Apply knowledge to control food cost and other expenses in commercial operation;
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Have an understanding of successful hospitality marketing.
Requirements
Associates degree in culinary arts is suitable for candidates who wish to expand their culinary skills. Candidates may need previous training in culinary arts at the post secondary level. Also, in order to qualify for admission, students may be required to have successfully completed diploma program in cooking and kitchen skills from an accredited college.
Curriculum
The curriculum usually consists of general education courses, foundation courses, and area of concentration. General education courses may include Communication, Mathematics, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Foundation courses many include learning frameworks, and career planning modules. Concentration may include the following courses:
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Food science nutrition and cooking;
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Cultural perspective of Purchasing;
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Critical Thinking;
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Management in the Hospitality Industry;
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Facilities Management;
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Menu Planning; and
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Marketing and Cost control.
Candidates may be required to complete a minimum total of 96 credit hours in order to graduate. However, please note that the above mentioned curriculum and requirements are typical for many programs, but may vary from one institute to another. For details about the program you wish to enroll in, please consult your college advisor.
Career Outlook
After completion of degree in culinary arts, candidates may pursue the career of chef or head cook. In addition to that, candidates can also take jobs as culinary educators. The industries which usually employ chefs include full service restaurants, traveler accommodation, special food services, and other recreation industries. By acquiring advanced training, chefs may be able to achieve higher ranks, for instance from assistant to senior to executive chef. According to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage of chefs and head cooks was $42,480 in May 2012.