Online cooking programs teach students the fundamentals of cooking, food writing, food research, and basic nutrition. Cooking programs are geared towards creative, analytical individuals who enjoy working with food. Online cooking degree programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. Select schools may also offer a career diploma or certificate option.

Graduates of cooking degree programs may seek employment in restaurants, catering halls, or in hospitality management. Cooking programs may provide students with the skills needed to seek a career as a caterer, personal chef, food nutritionist, or food writer.

Available Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete

An online career diploma in cooking may train students on the basic cooking concepts, such as slicing and chopping, the food pyramid, and principles of meat cookery. Online cooking career diplomas may equip individuals with the skill-set and educational background needed to administer catering services, manage events, and execute proper food plating techniques. Coursework may include managing functions, basics of gourmet cooking, and success in catering.

A certificate in cooking may benefit students who wish to master the skills needed to become fluent in pastry or culinary arts. Graduates of these online certificate programs may be qualified to work in a professional kitchen. Possible courses may include introduction to food service, baking and pastry arts, and basic nutrition.

Associate-level degree programs in cooking are designed for individuals who wish to hone their skills in the kitchen and advance to a professional level. These programs may provide students with the fundamentals of cooking, baking, and time management. Students may have the option to take courses that cover culinary techniques, international cuisine, and supervision for food service.

An online bachelor’s degree in cooking is geared towards individuals who would like to enhance their cooking skills and their understanding of the food service industry, enabling them to pursue positions in food management, food writing, or research and development. These programs may benefit those who are interested in managerial-level careers in cooking. Possible coursework may include advanced culinary technique, business writing and presentations, and beverage management.

Master’s degree cooking programs are for those who plan to pursue a cooking career at the highest professional level. Many master’s-level cooking programs integrate core classes with coursework specific to a particular concentration within the field, such as international hospitality management, food science, or food studies. Program coursework may include food history, food writing, and hospitality marketing management.

Career Options

Graduates of online cooking programs may develop the skills needed to work in professional kitchens, restaurants, culinary schools, or banquet halls. Students may learn basic cutting and slicing techniques, how to organize a professional kitchen, and how to cater functions. Cooking programs may also provide thorough food nutrition education, allowing students the opportunity to pursue a dietary career.

Possible career fields include:

• Personal Chef
• Caterer
• Event Planner
• Pastry Chef
• Hospitality Manager