The Culinary Institute of America: An Overview

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) was founded in 1946. It is a culinary school that is located in Hyde Park, New York. It has satellite campuses in St. Helena, San Antonio, Napa Valley of California, and in New York City. The CIA offers traditional associate and bachelors degrees taught by the world's largest staff of certified master chefs. It also provides continuing education for professionals in the hospitality industry as well as conferences and travel programs.

The CIA operates multiple restaurants on both campuses. Aside from professional education, the school offers recreational classes for those who are non-professionals and has also branded cooking-ware for the home cook. There are books, videos, and training material that is created by the faculty and staff of the school and can be attained for training professionals and non-professionals. Being a CIA student you'll learn over time to understand food. You will gain knowledge of cooking and baking methods, leadership skills, and the understanding of the business of food.

The CIA offers both Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S) and Associate of Occupational Studies (A.O.S) degrees. And these degrees are used in either Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry Arts. And each program requires an 18 week externship CIA-approved site in the industry. However, the admission requires a minimum of six months food service experience. The best part is that the CIA's degree programs are fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.

As a culinary arts student you'll have well-rounded education that will prepare you to meet the challenges of this demanding industry. And this is for those who are coming directly out of high school or already have some experience working in the culinary field.

The Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) Degree in Culinary Arts can be achieved within 38 months. Here's what you will be receiving:

Extensive hands-on cooking classes

Broad range of liberal arts and culinary arts management courses

Aside from Culinary Arts, the CIA has a Baking and Pastry Arts program,

Curricula that gives you the skills to analyze and understand the complex food world

Preparation for leaderships positions such as executive chef, restaurateur, or foodservice director

Within 21 months with a Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) is for those who already have a bachelor's degree or if you're changing

Extensive hands-on cooking classes

Curricula that focuses on culinary fundamentals

The opportunity to start your culinary career in less than two years

As a CIA student, your culinary education will be multifaceted and challenging. During your stay you will acquire a broad foundation culinary and baking and pastry skills and a familiarity with the great international cuisines. Over time you will progress through the college's kitchens, bakeshops, restaurants, and classrooms. And be prepared for an intense way of learning.