An online bachelor’s degree in culinary arts may provide students with comprehensive understanding and training in the numerous fields within culinary arts. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to develop recipes, plan menus, monitor sanitation processes, and inspect cooking supplies. Popular areas of concentration offered by online culinary schools may include baking and pastry arts, culinary management, culinary science, and nutrition.

Upon graduation, individuals may either seek entry-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a culinary arts graduate degree program. Baccalaureate-level graduates may seek employment opportunities in hospitality, food service, recreation, and restaurants.

Program Overview

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

Program Concentrations

A baccalaureate-level culinary arts degree program may include a combination of general education courses, culinary arts-based electives, and core coursework for the chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses such as food and culture, food service management, baking techniques, and café operations. Possible areas of concentration for a culinary arts degree program may include the following:

• Culinary Management
• Wine and Beverage Studies
• Baking and Pastry Arts
• Sustainability
• Hospitality and Restaurant Management
• Culinary Science
• Nutrition

Career Options

Baccalaureate-level culinary arts graduates may seek employment options in hospitality, restaurants, food service, recreation, and private households. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as head cooks and chefs are expected to decrease by 1% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Chef
• Head Cook
• Food Service Manager
• Food Preparation Worker
• Baker

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete an online bachelor’s degree program in culinary arts may seek to further their education and enroll in a graduate-level degree program. A culinary arts graduate degree program may prepare students with managerial-type training and may include courses in sanitation and safety, menu and beverage management, kitchen management, and nutrition.

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