Ready to start your culinary journey? If you want to excel in the food or hospitality industries, you need more than just the basics—you need the advantage of a culinary education.
Earning your culinary degree opens up a wide range of possibilities for your career, but it does require an investment of your time. The good news is, you have a range of options depending on your career goals and level of experience. And, when you choose the right college, you can use that time to take advantage of unique opportunities and make connections that will last a lifetime.
Here’s what you need to know about how long it can take you to complete culinary school and how to make the most of your education.
How Long Is Culinary School?
The time it will take you to complete culinary school depends on the type of credential you’re pursuing: certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s.
A culinary certificate or diploma program will be your shortest experience, often lasting just a few weeks to several months. While these programs may get you into a kitchen quickly, they’re usually limited in scope, focusing only on a narrow subject like basic cooking techniques, baking and pastries, or other areas like hospitality management. These programs are ideal for sharpening a specific skill but don’t offer the in-depth education or career flexibility that a full degree provides.
Degree programs—whether associate, bachelor’s, or master’s—provide a broader and deeper foundation in the culinary arts. They include hands-on kitchen training along with coursework in business, hospitality, nutrition, baking and pastry, global cuisines, and even food entrepreneurship. These programs take longer to complete but offer more robust preparation for leadership roles or business ownership.
General Timelines for Culinary Training
Each degree or diploma requires that you earn a certain number of credit hours, and in the United States, with most courses being three credit hours long, you can expect the following average timeframes:
- Certificate: 12–30 credit hours = A few months to a year
- Associate Degree: 60–65 credit hours = Around two years full-time
- Bachelor’s Degree: 120–130 credit hours = Around four years full-time
- Master’s Degree: 30–60 credit hours = Between one-and-a-half to two years full-time
Your timeline will also depend on if you’re studying full-time or part-time, if you earn credits during a summer semester, and if you’re able to transfer credits from an eligible program you’ve already participated in.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time vs. Online Culinary School Options
- Full-time programs allow you to complete your training faster and access campus resources such as test kitchens, faculty mentorship, networking events, and industry connections. However, they do require that you dedicate the bulk of your time to the program.
- Part-time options offer flexibility suited for working professionals, but they take longer to complete and may not offer as much access to in-person resources.
- Online programs offer flexibility and convenience, especially for completing advanced degrees while working. These programs often focus more on food business and leadership and are limited in hands-on kitchen work.
How Long Do CIA Programs Take?
The Culinary Institute of America offers a range of programs to suit different career stages. Below is an overview of each program type, its duration, and expected time commitment.
Certificate Program
CIA’s Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program (ACAP) enables you to learn culinary fundamentals in just 30 weeks.
This program teaches you cooking methods, flavor development, fabrication techniques, baking and pastry, and more. It’s the quickest way to get a hands-on understanding of the professional kitchen and expand your career opportunities.
The ACAP is held at CIA’s downtown Napa location and requires that applicants have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
Associate Degrees
CIA’s associate degree programs in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts can both be completed in about 19 months, less time than the normally required two years of study. And with industry experience, you can even earn a CIA associate degree in culinary or baking in as little as 15 months.
These programs provide hands-on experiential foundation in either the culinary arts or baking and pastry, and provide real-world experience via a semester-long internship and opportunities to work in CIA’s renowned on-campus restaurants.
Both the Culinary Arts and the Baking and Pastry Arts degree programs are available at the New York, California, and Texas campuses:
- The 66-credit Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree is offered at CIA’s New York and California campuses.
- The 69-credit Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is offered at CIA’s Texas campus.
Bachelor’s Degrees
CIA’s bachelor’s degrees build on the core culinary and baking curriculum through specialized majors and concentrations, such as Culinary Science, Applied Food Studies, and Food Business Management. There is also Hospitality Management, which includes more hands-on food and beverage experience than similar programs. All bachelor’s programs are offered on the New York campus and can be completed in just 38 months.
There are additional opportunities for earning your degree online or graduating earlier:
- The online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Food Business Leadership provides greater flexibility through accessible, part-time study. Full-time students can complete the program in 40 months, or even earlier by transferring a maximum of 30 credit hours. This program is for CIA associate degree graduates only.
- CIA’s Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs for baking and culinary arts allows for a greater transfer of credit hours. You must have at least 30 transferable credit hours and can transfer up to 60 credit hours, allowing you to earn your bachelor’s degree in 32 months.
Master’s Degrees
CIA’s two-year online master’s degrees provide in-depth training and mastery over specific areas of food business. These online courses offer flexible scheduling ideal for working professionals, and include residencies at CIA’s domestic campuses or internships at Michelin-starred restaurants.
The selection of online master’s degree programs includes:
- Food Business
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Wine and Beverage Management
- Culinary Therapeutics
- Culinary Arts
Applicants to these programs must have graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree. Some of the master’s programs are suitable for career changers interested in a business role, while others may require professional culinary experience.
Culinary Institute of America Program Comparison Table
| Program | Credential | Duration | Requirements |
| Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate | Certificate | Up to 30 weeks | Bachelor’s degree |
| Culinary Arts / Baking and Pastry Arts Associate Degree | Associate degree | Between 15–19 months | None; industry experience required for applied credit |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelor’s degree | Up to 38 months | Associate degree or high school diploma |
| Bachelor’s Degree Completion | Bachelor’s degree | Within 32 months | 30+ transfer credits |
| Online Food Business Leadership | Bachelor’s degree | Up to 40 months | CIA associate degree |
| Online Master’s Programs | Master’s degree | Up to two years | Bachelor’s degree |
Real-World Experience: Internships and Industry Integration
Many CIA programs include hands-on experiences through internship placements and CIA campus restaurants as a built-in part of the curriculum. Some bachelor’s degree concentrations also offer international study-abroad opportunities to experience global cuisine.
These professional experiences give students a competitive edge and are essential for accelerating career growth after graduation.
How Much Does Culinary School Cost?
Culinary school costs vary widely depending on the type of program and institution. Much of your cost will go toward tuition, which is typically calculated per credit hour or per semester, with longer degree programs generally requiring more credits.
Beyond tuition, students must also plan for additional costs of attendance, including:
- Room and board, if you live on campus
- Meal plans, especially at residential campuses
- Student fees, which may cover support services, technology, and extracurricular activities
- Uniforms, knives, and culinary supplies, which are often required for incoming students
- Health insurance, which may be charged automatically but can often be waived with proof of coverage
All these expenses add up, making it essential to understand the total cost of attendance, not just tuition, from the start.
What Affects the Time and Cost of Culinary School?
Several factors can influence how long you’ll be in school and how much you’ll pay:
- Program Type: Certificate programs are shorter and less expensive, but offer limited specialization. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are more comprehensive, often taking fifteen to 48 months, depending on the institution (CIA maxes out at 38 months).
- Electives and Customization: The number and type of electives you choose can extend or shorten your timeline, and increase your tuition, if you go beyond the required credit hours.
- Course Load: Taking more classes per semester can help you graduate faster, while part-time study spreads the cost (and time) over a longer period.
- Transfer Credits: If you’ve already completed college-level coursework elsewhere, you may be able to reduce the total number of credits needed by transferring approved college credits, saving both time and money.
- Campus Location and Living Arrangements: Attending a campus in a major metropolitan area may cost more for housing and food. Living on campus adds expenses for dorm accessories and utilities.
- Travel Opportunities: Participation in study abroad, industry internships, or travel programs may add to the overall cost but also provide valuable hands-on experience.
- Paid Internships: In some colleges, such as CIA, internships are paid and don’t require tuition payments during that semester. In these cases, internships can offer great experience and help to lower costs.
- Additional Fees: There are often additional charges for orientation, graduation, late payments, or policy violations. These can vary by school and should be factored into your budget.
How to Pay for Culinary School
You don’t have to cover culinary school costs on your own. There are several types of financial aid available to help you fund your education, including:
- Grants and Scholarships: Scholarships and grants are monetary awards that you don’t have to pay back. Many organizations award scholarships and grants based on need, merit, or background. CIA offers a variety of institutional scholarships and has awarded more than $45 million in scholarships in previous years.
- Federal and State Aid: Federal, state, and private student loan assistance is also available. Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal loans, grants, and work-study.
- Work-study Programs: Work-study is a particularly valuable form of federal financial aid in culinary school, enabling you to gain experience while earning a paycheck.
- Financial Aid for Veterans and Dependants: Veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to help finance their CIA education or transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or children.
- Tuition Credit: CIA’s Earn & Learn Tuition Offset Program enables you to earn up to $2,625 per semester in tuition credit, reducing your overall costs. CIA students can participate in both work-study and the Earn & Learn program.
Use our Net Price Calculator to receive a personalized estimate of the federal, state, and institutional aid you may qualify for.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Chef After School?
How long it takes to become a chef depends on your goals, experience, and the position you’re aiming for.
Many restaurants follow the “kitchen brigade” system that assigns specific roles and responsibilities based on skills, experience, and expertise. Even kitchens that don’t explicitly adhere to the brigade system—such as smaller kitchens or ones that have a more modern approach—may follow a similar hierarchy.
Here’s what the typical progression looks like:
- Commis Chef (Entry-Level Cook): Right after graduation, most culinary students begin as a commis chef, or junior cook. This role involves assisting other chefs, prepping ingredients, and learning station basics. You might spend one to two years in this role building foundational skills in a professional kitchen.
- Chef de Partie (Station Chef or Line Cook): After gaining hands-on experience, you can move up to chef de partie, where you manage a specific station—such as grill, pastry, or sauce. Advancement to this level typically takes two to three years, depending on your performance and the size of the kitchen.
- Sous Chef (Second-in-Command): The next step is sous chef, which is considered the right hand to the head chef. You’ll oversee day-to-day operations, supervise staff, and help with ordering and scheduling. Reaching this level can take four to six years post-graduation and requires leadership and operational experience.
- Head Chef / Chef de Cuisine: As the head chef, you’re responsible for the entire kitchen, from menu creation to kitchen management. Chefs typically reach this role in six to ten years, depending on their dedication, training, and opportunities for advancement.
- Executive Chef: Some kitchens also have an executive chef, who oversees the culinary direction of multiple restaurants or a larger hospitality operation. This role often comes ten plus years into a culinary career and includes strategic, budgetary, and hiring responsibilities.
Attending a respected culinary college like CIA can accelerate your progression. Programs that offer internships or and working experience that places you in kitchens gives you the necessary real-world experience even before graduation.
In addition, connection to an extensive alumni network introduces you to chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals worldwide. These opportunities can open doors to mentorships, job opportunities, and career advancement faster than if you were to go it alone.
It’s important to remember that you’re not committed to becoming a chef or working in a restaurant. Everyone who goes to culinary school goes for their own reasons and to pursue their own career goals. Many of CIA’s graduates find their passion working as restaurant managers, food media professionals, entrepreneurs, culinary educators, and more.
Should You Attend Culinary School?
Culinary school is a major investment of your time, energy, and money—so it’s important to consider all of the benefits and whether it aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Ask yourself:
- What do you want your career in food to look like? If you’re aiming for roles in high-end restaurants, food innovation, food media, or hospitality management, formal education can give you a critical edge.
- Do you want access to mentors, internships, and a strong network? Culinary schools, especially institutions like CIA, offer built-in support systems that are harder to find independently.
- Are you looking to develop more than just cooking techniques? A good culinary education goes beyond the kitchen by teaching business acumen, leadership, marketing, and adaptability.
- Do you want direction in a structured learning environment? Culinary school provides step-by-step training, clear learning goals, and immediate feedback that helps you grow faster and with more confidence.
- Do you want to fast-track your career? Without formal training, climbing the ranks in a professional kitchen can take much longer, and you may miss out on key learning experiences along the way.
If you’re serious about turning your passion for food into a long-term career, culinary school may be the smartest way to build a strong foundation.
How CIA Prepares Students for the Real World
The Culinary Institute of America has been a global leader in culinary education since 1946, with a reputation for producing some of the most respected chefs and food industry professionals in the world. Here’s how CIA helps students succeed in the real world:
- Structured Programs with Depth and Rigor: CIA’s curriculum balances hands-on kitchen experience with academic courses in hospitality, management, and culinary science, helping students become well-rounded professionals.
- Internships Built Into the Curriculum: Our degree programs include a semester-long internship, giving students a chance to work in established kitchens, develop industry connections, and build their résumés before graduating.
- On-Campus Restaurants: Students train in CIA’s professional restaurants, which are all open to the public, where they gain direct experience in cooking, baking, service, and management under real pressure.
- CIA Career Fair and Industry Events: The school regularly hosts employers from across the food and hospitality sectors. These career services events provide students with opportunities to network, interview, and find jobs even before graduation.
- Industry Partnerships and Alumni Network: CIA has longstanding relationships with top chefs, restaurants, hotels, and food companies. Its alumni community spans the globe and includes leaders in nearly every food-related field.
- Career Support Services: CIA’s career services team offers résumé help, job search support, and personalized guidance long after graduation, helping students navigate the evolving food industry with confidence.
- Vibrant Campus Life: While students work hard, there’s time for fun, too. The New York campus offers student clubs, on-campus events, and day trips to New York City. The California and Texas campuses offer their own mix of student life activities and local food culture experiences.
In a competitive industry, having the Culinary Institute of America on your resume speaks volumes. Employers recognize our name and know that our graduates are trained to meet the highest standards in the profession. Whether you’re interested in becoming a chef, launching a food brand, or entering hospitality leadership, CIA gives you the foundation, network, and real-world experience to establish a successful career in the food world.
FAQs
How many years does it take to become a chef?
The answer depends on what kind of chef you want to become. It typically takes two to three years to become a station chef, depending on your experience and training. Becoming a sous chef can take up to six years, and becoming a head chef can take up to 10 years. You’ll need to work your way up the kitchen through hands-on experience, though a quality culinary college education can help fast-track your path.
Is culinary arts a hard major?
Hard is relative, but a culinary arts program can be challenging—it’s hands-on, fast-paced, and physically demanding. You’ll need to master techniques, manage time under pressure, and be competitive. But if you’re passionate about cooking and creativity, all of that work can be rewarding and lead to exciting career paths in food or hospitality.
How old is too old for culinary school?
You’re never too old to follow your passions. Many adult students enter culinary school as career changers in their 30s, 40s, or beyond. There are many possible careers for adult students, including personal chefs, hospitality managers, food and beverage directors, food writers, and more. As long as you’re motivated and physically able to handle kitchen work, it’s never too late.
How hard is it to get into culinary school?
Most culinary schools have flexible admissions, focusing on passion and commitment rather than test scores. In addition to grade transcripts, an essay, and letters of recommendation, entry-level associate and bachelor’s programs at CIA require that applicants meet a baseline of technical standards. Certain programs will also require that applicants have earned a set number of credits, accredited degrees, or a record of industry experience.
Can you become a chef without a degree?
You can become a chef without a degree, and many chefs learn on the job and advance through experience. However, a degree or certificate can improve your skills, confidence, job prospects, and earning potential, especially in competitive kitchens.
Ready to take your first steps toward a culinary career?
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