An online bachelor’s degree in cooking, oftentimes referred to as culinary arts, may provide students with in-depth skills and training on preparing and cooking food. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study financial management and cost control, small business development, and culinary and hospitality training. In these programs, students may complete general education requirements, cooking-based electives, and major-specific courses, such as food and culture, beverage management, and food safety.

Upon graduation, students may seek entry-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a graduate-level program in cooking or culinary arts. Baccalaureate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in tourism, hospitality management, and catering.

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 Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s degree in cooking may combine general education requirements alongside cooking-based electives and major-specific courses. In these four-year programs, students may study product development, food preparation, restaurant operations, and culinary training. Core cooking courses may include the following:

• Food Safety
• Controlling Costs and Purchasing Food
• Beverage Management
• Basic and Classical Cakes
• Food and Culture
• Chocolates and Confection
• Nutrition Principles

Career Options

Graduates of baccalaureate-level programs in cooking may find career opportunities working in hospitality management, tourism, catering, and publishing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as chefs and head cooks are expected to decrease by one percent from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Chef
• Head Cook
• Food Service Manager
• Cookbook Author
• Restaurant Manager

Continuing Education

Upon graduation, students may opt to further their education and enroll in a graduate-level program in cooking or culinary arts. These upper-level programs may provide students with additional training on food safety and sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and overall cost control.

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