An online associate degree in cooking may provide students with the skills and training required to become a chef. Students enrolled in these two-year programs may learn about all aspects of kitchen operations as well as the cuisines found in different cultures. Coursework within these programs may include a handful of general education requirements in addition to electives and major-specific courses, such as food safety, menu development, and culinary fundamentals.

Associate-level graduates in cooking may seek entry-level employment or transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree program in culinary arts. Graduates of the associate degree programs may find employment opportunities in the food service industry at locations, such as restaurants, hospitals, and schools.

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: 8% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online associate-level program in cooking may combine several general education requirement courses along with major-specific classes and electives. In these two-year programs that may focus on culinary arts, students may study culinary techniques, kitchen essentials, and professional development in cooking. Core online cooking courses may include the following:

• Food Safety
• Gastronomy
• Nutrition
• Culinary Fundamentals
• A La Carte Cooking
• Menu Development
• Controlling Costs and Purchasing Food

Career Options

Individuals who successfully complete an online associate-level program in cooking may find careers in restaurants, schools, hospitals, and hotels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in the cooking industry may see an 8% increase from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Cook
• Sous Chef
• Food Writer
• Restaurateur
• Food and Beverage Worker

Continuing Education

Successful graduates may opt to transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree program in culinary arts or cooking. These four-year programs may teach students about the business side of the culinary industry, including etiquette, communications, time management, and community relations. Employers may not require potential candidates to have any post-secondary education experience although those who have an associate degree may find better job opportunities than those without any formal training.

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