Want a career in the culinary arts or restaurant management? There are many cooking schools, but only a few are accredited and degree granting. Here are some. This list is by no means comprehensive.
- The Art Institutes. A chain of schools across the land offering degrees in culinary arts, culinary management, and other creative endeavors from photography to fashion design and web design.
- Culinary Institute of America. The original location in Poughkeepsie, NY, just north of NYC in the Hudson Valley is considered one of the finest cooking and management schools in the world. Period. And the location is breathtaking. There is also a location in Napa Valley that is held in equal regard. And the wine is better there.
- Cornell University’s School of Hotel and Management. Regarded as the best in class, its strength is management although food and drink are by no means ignored. I have lectured there many times.
- French Culinary Institute. Can you think of a better place to study food than in Manhattan? Many luminary chefs came through this route. Bobby Flay was in their first graduating class.
- Kendall College. An independent culinary arts and baking school in Chicago offering four year baccalaureate degrees. An engaging faculty that has earned it high regard. They also offer degrees in education.
- Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business. Ranked right up there with Cornell as the place to go for hotel and restaurant management.
- Santa Rosa Community College. In addition to the necessary two-year AA degree programs in the arts and sciences, SRCC has culinary arts and probably the best two year program in viticulture, oenology, and marketing.
- University of California. There are two campuses whose wine programs are considered the best for grape growing and wine making, perhaps in the world: UC Davis and UC Fresno. Which one is better. If I try to answer that I might get shot.
