Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    Welcome to the CIA

    The World’s Premier Culinary College

  • The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education since its founding in 1946. With campuses in New York, California, and Texas, and an additional location in Singapore, we offer bachelor’s degrees in applied food studies, culinary science, food business management, and hospitality management; associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; executive education; 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 Mission

    The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is a private, not-for-profit college dedicated to providing the world's best professional culinary education. Excellence, leadership, professionalism, ethics, and respect for diversity are the core values that guide our efforts. We teach our students the general knowledge and specific skills necessary to live successful lives and to grow into positions of influence and leadership in their chosen profession.

  • Contact Us

    The Culinary Institute of America
    1946 Campus Drive
    Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499
    Phone: 845-452-9600
  • CIA Students Faculty and Alumni

    Who We Are - CIA Students, Faculty, and Alumni

    Students from all over the world enrich the campus with their diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, faculty members bring big-time industry chops and expertise to their roles as valued teachers and mentors, and our global network of 49,000 alumni includes leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in every area of the food business.
    History of the CIA

    Our Story - The History of the CIA

    For more than seven decades, The Culinary Institute of America 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 highlighted by amazing events, accomplishments, and people.
    CIA Leads the Way

    CIA Leads the Way

    An extraordinary legacy of leadership has seen the CIA drive important dialogue on many of the issues facing the food industry and our planet today, from health and wellness to world cuisines to sustainability. The college’s education programs and industry conferences help advance not only the food profession, but the way the world eats.
    CIA News and Media

    News and Media

    Whether it’s exciting new initiatives, special events, or alumni accomplishments, The Culinary Institute of America is always making news! Check out our remarkable stories, media resources, and engaging videos; connect with our expert chefs and instructors; and see all the latest happenings at the world’s premier culinary college.
    Why Study at the CIA

    Why Study at the CIA?

    Choosing a college is one of the most important—and difficult—decisions a student can make in his or her life. And there are plenty of reasons why you should earn your degree from The Culinary Institute of America. While it was a little hard to narrow it down, here are the top five reasons why the CIA is your best education choice.
    CIA Administration

    Administration

    The leadership team at The Culinary Institute of America is headed by Dr. Tim Ryan ’77, the first alumnus and faculty member to be the president of the college. His visionary leadership draws from his unique background of culinary, business, and educational accomplishments. The college’s provost, Mark Erickson ’77, is also a CIA graduate.
    Diversity at the CIA

    Diversity at the CIA

    The Culinary Institute of America actively promotes diversity, one of the core values found in the college’s mission. The CIA is a wonderfully diverse community, an inspiring melting pot of students, faculty, and staff from every U.S. state and 30-plus countries joining together on campus to share different cultures and ideas.
    CIA Social Media

    Social Media - Let's Connect

    We invite you to get social with The Culinary Institute of America. There are plenty of ways to stay in touch with the world’s premier culinary college. You can become a friend of the CIA on Facebook; follow us on Twitter; check out the college’s YouTube channel; find us on Instagram, Snapchat, and Tumblr; and much more!
    Job Opportunities at the CIA

    Job Opportunities

    The Culinary Institute of America seeks to hire diverse, talented, and passionate people who embody our core values of excellence, leadership, professionalism, ethics, and respect for diversity. The college offers an exciting, supportive workplace; avenues for professional and personal growth; and a range of career opportunities.
  • Michael Elegbede, CIA culinary arts alumni and owner, executive chef of ÌTÀN in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Alumni Spotlight

    Michael Elegbedé '13
    Owner, Executive Chef, ÌTÀN
    Michael Elegbedé ’13, executive chef and owner of ÌTÀN in Lagos, grew up in and around kitchens in his native country of Nigeria.
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    Wilo Benet, CIA culinary arts alumni, judge for Top Chef & chef/owner of Pikayo in Puerto Rico.

    Alumni Spotlight

    Wilo Benet '85
    Chef Owner
    After graduating from the CIA, Wilo worked at such New York City destination restaurants as Maurice at the Parker Meridien, Le Bernardin, and the Water Club. But when an opportunity arose to work side-by-side with his future wife at the Governor’s Mansion in his native Puerto Rico, he took it.
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  • Did you know? More than 90% of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid.
    Learn More