Degree in Culinary Arts

Earnings Potential

Obtaining a degree/certificate or studying in the field of Culinary Arts can lead to a vast array of careers.  Some of these fields include: Executive Chef, General Manager, Executive Sous Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, Pastry Chef, Manager/Restaurant Manager, Sous Chef and Line Cook (hourly wage).  The financial potential varies greatly.

Culinary Arts Facts at a glance:

• People pursue a culinary degree in order to become a chef or restaurant owner.
• Some of the places Chefs work in are restaurants, cruise ships, schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
• Jobs in culinary arts are creative outlets for the employees

Details of work

Generally, chefs and cooks prepare ingredients according to recipes, and direct work of the other cooking staff.  Executive chefs and head cooks coordinate and direct the kitchen staff, ensuring consistency of food quality and presentation.  A sous chef is the assistant to the head chef, and runs the kitchen in absence of the chef. 

Required courses for degree completion

Provided is short list of some required courses leading to a degree/certificate in the field of Culinary Arts:  Introduction to the Industry, Culinary Preparation,

Product Identification, Front-of-House Management and Services, Sanitation and Microbiology, Culinary Terminology, Industry Legislation and Nutrition.

Specific career openings in this field

Due to the various types of culinary programs available, it is best to choose a program that is suited to your particular strength, whether it is chef, management/hospitality, or nutritionist, to name a few.