An online associate degree in culinary arts may equip individuals with the skills and techniques required to work in a variety of cooking venues. In this two-year program, students may learn fundamental culinary skills such as proper kitchen sanitation, knife techniques, and menu planning. Popular areas of concentration may include nutrition, catering, and hospitality management.

Upon graduation from an online culinary school, students may either seek entry-level employment or enter a culinary arts baccalaureate degree program. Associate-level graduates may seek employment in restaurants, hotels, and event planning.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: -1% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

An associate-level culinary arts degree program may consist of select general education requirements alongside major-specific courses in the student’s chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses such as culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and international cuisine. Possible areas of concentration for a culinary arts degree program may include the following:

• Hospitality Management
• Professional Baking
• Personal Chef
• Nutrition
• Culinary Management
• Catering
• Restaurant Management

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may gain employment opportunities in hospitality, restaurants, event planning, food prep, and commercial baking. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities as a chef are projected to decline by 1% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Caterer
• Assistant Baker
• Prep Cook
• Pantry Cook
• Line Cook

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a culinary arts associate degree may have the opportunity to continue their education by transferring to a baccalaureate program. A bachelor’s degree in culinary arts may provide students with the opportunity to transition into leadership roles in their chosen career. To work in culinary arts, employers may require some formal training; however, many skills are learned on-the-job.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook