About CIA

The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education since its founding in 1946.

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Two smiling individuals pose outdoors. One is giving the other a piggyback ride, both laughing. The person in the foreground is making a heart shape with their hands. They are near a brick building with green foliage in the background.
Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Values

The World’s Premier Culinary College

With campuses in New York, California, and Texas, and an additional location in Singapore, we offer master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees; certificate programs; and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. In addition, our conferences and consulting services have made us the think tank of the food industry.

Our Vision

Food is at the heart of our existence. Beyond sustenance, it is fundamental to cultures and deserves to be a source of joy for all people, families, and communities. We seek to better understand and promote its relationship to health, the environment, and a vibrant, equitable economy.

Our Mission

The Culinary Institute of America is dedicated to bettering the nation and the world by means of outstanding education, practice, and scholarship on all aspects of food and the enterprises related to it. Through a transformative learning experience, CIA prepares future food leaders, innovators, and experts for personal and professional success.

Our Values

CIA is a private, not-for-profit college, guided by the core values of Excellence, Leadership, Professionalism, Ethics, and Respect for Diversity.

CIA President Michiel Bakker - Leadership Team

Meet the Administration

The Leadership Team is the College’s senior group overseeing education, student affairs, advancement, and alumni relations, and who are committed to your success as CIA students and alumni, throughout your career in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.

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Our Story—the History of CIA

For more than seven decades, CIA has been at the forefront of innovation and education excellence. From humble beginnings as a storefront cooking school in New Haven, CT, to multiple campuses around the world today, it’s been a remarkable story defined by amazing achievements, academic and professional excellence, diverse and accomplished individuals, and great food!

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Faculty

One of the reasons why CIA is the world’s best culinary college is because our faculty are top industry pros. CIA instructors include acclaimed master chefs, top food industry executives, world-famous restaurateurs, published authors, master sommeliers, and more.

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Diversity

CIA is a wonderfully diverse community, an inspiring melting pot of students, faculty, and staff representing every U.S. state and 30-plus countries around the world.

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News and Media

Check out remarkable stories, media resources, and engaging videos about CIA or connect with our expert chefs and instructors.

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A group of eleven diverse students smiling and hugging a large bee mascot dressed in a yellow and black costume with "CIA" on its chest. They are standing on an outdoor terrace with a river and green hills in the background.

Meet Sting

We sat down for an exclusive interview with Sting to learn first-hand how this global citizen came to “bee” CIA’s new mascot.

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A group of chefs and culinary students in white uniforms and tall chef hats are cooking in a professional kitchen at the CIA Hyde Park Campus. They are busy at various stovetops, stirring pots and preparing food. The kitchen is equipped with large pots, pans, and industrial appliances.

#OnlyAtCIA

It’s so much more than a hashtag. #onlyatcia represents the countless ways the world’s premier culinary college is unlike anywhere else. It’s why one of the greatest chefs ever, Paul Bocuse, called CIA “the best culinary school in the world.”

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Accreditation and Recognition

In addition to being accredited through Middle States, CIA is recognized by several other organizations for our excellence in a variety of areas.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education logo
A badge-shaped graphic with a blue background and yellow borders. It reads "Best in America" at the top, "Culinary Schools" in the center, and "College Rank" at the bottom with a flame icon and laurel wreath design.
Image of the Military Friendly® School badge for 2025–26 Silver status.
Circular logo for the New York State Craft Beer Competition 2022, featuring the Brewers Association emblem at the center and the words "Brewers Association," "New York State," and "The New York State Craft Beer Competition 2022" around the perimeter.
Image of the OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2025.
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Hyde Park, NY
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St. Helena, CA
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San Antonio, TX

CIA Campuses

Food is your community!

Be part of a vibrant campus and close-knit community, where everyone speaks your language—food.

At CIA, you’ll find all the ingredients you need to create a college experience that’s uniquely yours—guided by your passions, your interests, and your imagination. Each of our campuses offers a distinct flavor, a unique feel; yet at everyone, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, diverse community of students and instructors from all over the world, united in your shared passion for food.

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The Culinary Institute of America

1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538

1-800-CULINARY

[email protected]

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