Becoming the Best of the Best

We know a lot of schools use the word “best,” but we truly mean it here.

We provide you with the expert skills and industry knowledge you need to become the best in your field—whether you choose a career as a chef, entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, or food and beverage manager.

And no matter where or how far you want to go in your career, CIA will prepare you for it all—with our 50,000-strong alumni network of changemakers and industry leaders supporting you every step of the way.

Three chefs wearing white uniforms and tall chef hats stand in a professional kitchen. Text overlay reads "JOIN THE best OF THE BEST." The chefs pose confidently, each with a different expression, under stainless steel equipment and shelving.

Food Is Your Language

Here’s what you can expect from a CIA education

Immersive, Hands-On Learning

We believe that you learn by doing, which is why our students gain real-world front- and back-of-house experience by working in restaurants, bake shops, and hospitality businesses. There’s no shortage of hands-on learning when you’re here.

Semester-Long Internship

Most of our associate and bachelor’s degree students participate in a full-time, semester-long internship at one of 2,000 CIA-approved locations. Students can go anywhere—restaurants, farms, bakeries, wineries, small businesses, and more. Work alongside professionals, build an industry network, and experience the action. It’s the best way to see what it’s really like in the food industry.

Extraordinary Travel Opportunities

Enhance your global food palate with a CIA-hosted, ten-day travel excursion. You’ll experience the latest international techniques and flavors, which adds another dimension to your culinary education. Destinations are always changing, but recent trips have included France, Costa Rica, and Italy.

Expert Faculty Members

Our faculty includes master chefs, top food industry executives, world-famous restaurateurs, published authors, and sommeliers. Every instructor is passionate about what they do and holds a high degree of expertise and diverse culinary experiences. They’re experts in their field, and they’re ready to help you become an expert in yours.

“I chose the Culinary because I view my education as an investment. Attending CIA would allow me to not only network but take a step in becoming the best in my field.”
Olivia Weidner bachelor’s degree in Food Business Management
“The network of alumni that CIA has, along with career services after graduating, are things you won’t find just anywhere.”
Jeremy Sawyer bachelor’s degree in Management
“A degree from CIA does not have to limit you to just a kitchen; the world is our doorstep to limitless opportunities.”
Kyle Wagner associate degree student in Culinary Arts
“Going to CIA is like having a passport to the entire world. You can go anywhere. I can’t recommend CIA highly enough. The chefs you’ll be learning from are some of the best in the world…it’s the best school in the world.”
Duff Goldman Owner Charm City Cakes
“My skill and CIA’s amazing reputation give me the competitive advantage to choose the jobs I want.”
Bron Smith associate degree student in Culinary Arts
“The immense availability of resources and vast networking opportunities accessible to CIA students continues to amaze me.”
Dan Salisbury bachelor’s degree student in Applied Food Studies
“CIA is the world’s premier culinary college, so it was the only choice for me.”
Aaron Tarpley Food Business Management
“The chefs at this school are amazing and you can learn so much from them. I love CIA—coming here was the best decision I have ever made.”
Makenna Barnes associate degree student in Baking and Pastry Arts
“My CIA experience helped open my eyes to the bigger world of the food industry. Not only did I learn so much about food and different cuisines, but got a well-rounded education about the industry from different perspectives.”
Andrea Cuellar bachelor’s degree student in Management
“The networking and the connections I made at CIA opened doors for me that I didn’t even know existed.”
Courtney Humiston certificate in Accelerated Wine and Beverage
Three chefs in white uniforms stand at the entrance of a modern restaurant with large glass windows, surrounded by lush greenery. One chef chats with the other two, who sit on the steps outside. The scene is peaceful and inviting.

admissions

Food is your future—and there’s no better place to start than here.

Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming the best of the best? Throughout the year we offer campus tours, open houses, and online events so you can ask questions, learn more about our degrees, and chat with admissions counselors. Not sure which program is right for you? No problem. We’d be happy to discuss CIA’s offerings so we can help you transform your passion into a purposeful career.

The Culinary Institute of America

1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538