Do you want to be a chef and be recognized as a master of gastronomy? Don’t worry, here we present the best gastronomy schools in the United States. We assure you that they are worth considering for their obvious advantages.
The Culinary Institute of America and New England Culinary Institute are prestigious universities that are among the most popular choices for aspiring chefs and foodies.
Fortunately, they are not that expensive. In fact, The Culinary Institute of America is one of the most affordable, and New England Culinary Institute’s tuition is only four figures. This is very appreciable, considering the prices of other study houses.
The Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America, also known as LCIA, is the largest culinary education center in the United States. Its two campuses are located in Los Angeles, California, and downtown Manhattan, New York.
The Culinary Institute of America is one of the top culinary schools in the United States. Its location on the Hudson River makes it one of the best options for culinary students. Students are highly sought after by employers in the food service industry.
With more than four thousand graduates, the schools’ credentials are the most sought-after in the industry. The school was founded by Frances Roth and Katharine Angell, who shared the vision of making their culinary school the culinary center of the country.
Admission process
Students interested in pursuing a culinary degree will go through the same admissions process as any other major at the university. Applicants will be required to complete an application form and show proof of high school graduation.
Afterward, they may be invited to an interview or may need to submit an essay explaining their desire to become a chef and sharing their relevant experience. Applicants are not required to have prior culinary experience, but it is beneficial to have some experience in a similar area.
Students can choose to study for an associate degree in culinary arts or a food and beverage management certificate program. Both programs are comprised of a hands-on experience that allows students to gain hands-on training in the kitchen.
Depending on the program chosen, students will complete a bachelor’s degree in 38 months and an associate’s degree in twenty-one months.
The program offers bread-baking and cake-decorating classes, and its business emphasis is evident in its stellar placement record. It also has a 93% recommendation rate from alumni.
New England Culinary Institute
NECI is located in the capital of Vermont and is part of the movement known as Farm to Table. NECI is led by Dr. Robert Myers, who grew up on a working farm and has credentials as a university administrator.
While NECI is renowned for its small classes, it is also expanding its curriculum to include more ancillary disciplines. In this way, they magnify the level of knowledge of the students, and, therefore, their competitiveness.
For associate and bachelor’s programs, students must complete two internships. NECI also offers programs in business management, culinary arts and baking. As one of the top culinary schools in the United States, NECI is a great option for those looking to become a chef.
In addition to renowned degree programs, NECI also offers certificates and specializations in a variety of fields. The College has a unique partnership with local agriculture and a relationship with other culinary institutions.
The school offers a variety of employment opportunities, and students can apply for internships at a local restaurant or bakery, or even get hired as a chef despite studying.
Competitiveness and opportunities
New England Culinary Institute students gain practical and theoretical skills in the kitchen. Graduates will be well prepared for a career in the food industry as a head chef, chef, pastry chef, or private chef.
In addition to these positions, graduates are well-versed in business principles and can work in hospitality and culinary arts management. During their studies, students learn fundamental techniques and skills such as knife skills, international cooking styles, sauce preparation, and menu planning.
And with that, they take courses in kitchen management, food sanitation, and inventory control. New England Culinary Institute offers several degree programs, including baking. The culinary school also offers online programs. Its curriculum emphasizes on-the-job experience and hands-on learning.