An online doctoral degree in culinary arts may provide students with in-depth knowledge, research, and training pertaining to the different fields of culinary arts. In these upper-level programs, students may learn how to apply nutrition principles, develop meal plans based upon clients’ preferences, and adhere to food regulations and safety protocols. Popular areas of concentration may include nutritional sciences, hospitality management, and food biochemistry.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment in the culinary arts industry. Doctoral-level graduates may seek employment opportunities in education, hospitality, research and development, and eating establishments.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 20% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A research-heavy doctoral-level program in culinary arts may include core coursework for the chosen area of concentration alongside a dissertation requirement. Students may complete courses such as chemistry of food, microbiology of food, food quality assurance, and clinical nutrition. Possible areas of concentration for a culinary arts doctoral degree program may include the following:

• Hospitality Management
• Culinary Science
• Hospitality Administration
• Food Science and Technology
• Food Biochemistry
• Nutrition and Food Systems
• Nutritional Sciences

Career Options

Doctoral-level culinary arts graduates may seek employment in education, administration, research and development, restaurants, and hospitality management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as dieticians and nutritionists are expected to increase by 20% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Dietician
• Nutritionist
• Health Educator
• Food Scientist
• Food Product Developer

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