Your Independent Guide to Culinary Arts and Career Chef Schools in the United States

Culinary Degrees: Non-Degree

It is not necessary to get a degree in order to pursue a culinary education. Instead of commiting to a degree, or a certificate program, why not take individual courses? This allows you to pace your education at the speed most compatible with your other commitments. Those who are making a career change to culinary arts often find this the best way to get their feet wet without having to quit their current position.

Culinary school programs provide students with many hours of practical experience preparing food. In order to graduate many programs require students to pass skill competency tests. Most schools have industry-standard tools and equipment available in their laboratories and kitchens.

When pursuing a non-degree program, consider taking individual courses in specific cuisines or areas of study, such as pastry, appetizers, or various ethnic cuisines. Regardless of whether you commit to cooking school one course at a time, or go all-in by signing up for a culinary degree, you will find that formal culinary training will enrich your life and prepare you for a satisfying career.


Culinary Schools Offering Non-Degree Courses:

Branford Hall Institute - Springfield

Springfield, Massachusetts

Branford Hall Career Institute offers students an education experience focused on career skills required in today's growing industries. An externship program allows students the opportunity to gain hands-on job skills and make contacts and references for future employment. Students can also take advantage of post-graduation career placement services. Take the first step toward your new career at Branford Hall Career Institute. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Culinary Arts

Florida Culinary Institute - West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach, Florida

Turn your dreams of becoming a chef into reality with the real-world skills gained from attending Florida Culinary Institute. You'll train in our professionally equipped kitchens under our skilled instructors who are experts in their field. Gain the business and practical knowledge required to launch a successful and rewarding career in culinary arts. Earn an Associate degree in as little as 18 months or your diploma in one year in Culinary Arts, International Baking and Pastry or Food and Beverage Management. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Culinary Arts
  • Food and Beverage Management

Salter College - Worcester

Worcester, Massachusetts

Salter College offers an enriching balance of liberal arts and professional career education. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to meeting our students’ needs by creating an atmosphere that inspires academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of social responsibility. Find out today how Salter College's quality programs can help you reach the next level of personal and professional success. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Culinary Arts



Featured Culinary Schools:

California Culinary Academy

Get your career cooking. California Culinary Academy is located in San Francisco, one of the world's culinary capitals. Students receive the challenging hands-on experience they need to prepare for a career in culinary arts or hospitality. Associate of Occupational Studies degrees are available in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts or Hospitality & Restaurant Management Certificate Programs are available in Baking and Pastry Arts. Gain the proficiency you need to work at fine restaurants, top hotels, posh resorts, luxury cruise ships, pastry shops, and more. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management
  • Certificate - Baking and Pastry

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

Join the respected and esteemed Le Cordon Bleu program at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a graduate, you should be prepared for an in-demand career as a cook, chef, caterer, baker or pastry chef. Instructors are accomplished pastry and culinary chefs and all instruction takes place in modern learning kitchens. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking

California School of Culinary Arts

Train with the best. If you have a passion for food, the California School of Culinary Arts, located in Pasadena, CA, can prepare you for success. CSCA has become one of the most well-known and respected culinary schools in the country. Work beside industry trained Chef Instructors committed to excellence. Graduate from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program in only 15 months and take advantage of extensive job placement assistance. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Associate of Occupational Studies - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
  • Diploma - Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking
  • Diploma - Le Cordon Bleu Restaurant Management

The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago

Join the respected Le Cordon Bleu program at the The Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts or a Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking. Graduates will be prepared for a career as a chef, caterer, baker or pastry chef. Instructors are accomplished pastry and culinary chefs. Classes are taught in professionally equipped learning kitchens. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking

Western Culinary Institute

Join the highly esteemed Le Cordon Bleu program at Western Culinary Institute in Portland, OR. Graduates should be prepared for a career as a chef, caterer, baker or pastry chef. Associate of Occupational Studies degrees in Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management, Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, or Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie & Baking. Students learn in professionally equipped learning kitchens and are taught by accomplished pastry and culinary chefs. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
  • Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management
  • Certificate - Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management

Scottsdale Culinary Institute

Choose a career with great taste. Scottsdale Culinary Institute, located in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, has earned international fame with its superb Le Cordon Bleu program. Students experience real world conditions with L'Ecole and L'Academie Resturants as their classrooms. L'Ecole has received Mobile's 3 Star student rating.

Get your Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts in just 15 months and join other graduates who are working in leading restaurants, hotels and cruise ships around the world. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
  • Specialized Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management
  • Certificate - Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking

Kendall College - Chicago

Gain knowledge and practical, real-world experience in fast-growing careers such as the Culinary Arts. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Baking and Pastry
  • Convention and Meeting Planning
  • Culinary Arts
  • Culinary Arts - Accelerated
  • Culinary Management
  • Food and Beverage Operations
  • Hotel Management
  • International Hospitality Management
  • Professional Catering
  • Professional Cookery
  • Professional Personal Chef

Sullivan University - National Center for Hospitality Studies

All the schools in the Sullivan University System focus their programs on career-specific courses only--so you can get the education you need faster. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management
  • Hotel & Restaurant Mgmt.
  • Professional Baker
  • Professional Catering
  • Professional Cook
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Travel and Tourism

Salter College - Worcester

Salter College offers an enriching balance of liberal arts and professional career education. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to meeting our students’ needs by creating an atmosphere that inspires academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of social responsibility. Find out today how Salter College's quality programs can help you reach the next level of personal and professional success. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Culinary Arts

YTI Career Institute

Get a real-world education designed by industry insiders at YTI Career Institute. Train in a real world, hands-on environment and study with experienced, dedicated instructors who will help you learn the skill you need for a successful career in business, technology, culinary arts, or public safety. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Business Administration - Hospitality
  • Catering
  • Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management
  • Pastry Arts
  • Travel and Tourism

Florida Culinary Institute - West Palm Beach

Turn your dreams of becoming a chef into reality with the real-world skills gained from attending Florida Culinary Institute. You'll train in our professionally equipped kitchens under our skilled instructors who are expert in their fields. Gain the business and practical knowledge required to launch a successful and rewarding career in culinary arts. Earn an Associate degree in 18 months or your diploma in one year in Culinary Arts, International Baking and Pastry or Food and Beverage Management. Find out more...

Programs Offered:
  • Culinary Arts
  • Food and Beverage Management
  • International Baking and Pastry