Under­graduate Degree Programs

Food is Your Opportunity.

Food has the power to unlock new possibilities, make connections, and create a lasting global impact. Whether you’ve always known you were destined for a career in food or you’re just starting to consider it, we invite you to explore our comprehensive associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

Whatever your career goals may be, our degree programs will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to make a significant difference, whether it’s in your own community or on a global scale.

The CIA Core Advantage

Our programs are designed to provide everything you need to excel, no matter where your food passion leads you. Both associate and bachelor’s degree students start with the essential skills and knowledge of the CIA Core Advantage, which forms the foundation for most of our programs.

A chef in a white uniform and hat is carefully garnishing a colorful salad with tweezers in a professional kitchen. The salad includes vibrant greens, sliced vegetables, and what appears to be nuts. The kitchen background is blurred, focusing attention on the chef and the dish.

Associate Degrees

Are you ready to explore a career as a chef? Our associate degree programs offer career paths in baking and pastry or the culinary arts. Feed your passion and creativity with hands-on courses that are focused on food. As part of your associate degree program, you’ll obtain real-world experience during a semester-long internship at one of more than 2,000 CIA-approved businesses, as well as in the kitchens and dining rooms of CIA’s award-winning public restaurants.

CIA’s associate degree programs are offered at our New York, California, and Texas campuses.

A round, smooth cake with a glossy caramel-colored topping and a white frosting base. The cake is garnished with fresh strawberry halves and a decorative piece of striped chocolate. A blurred flower can be seen in the background.
A cast iron skillet holds a cooked piece of glazed salmon garnished with microgreens, served over a bed of sautéed leafy greens. The dish is presented on a white napkin with jars of spices and a glass of water blurred in the background.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Food is your passion, and it’s ours, too. That’s why we provide a range of bachelor’s degree programs that touch on nearly every aspect of the industry—including food business management, culinary science, applied food studies, and hospitality. And if you’re interested in a career in the food industry but are unsure of the specific path, we can help guide you. Our bachelor’s degree programs are immersive, collaborative, and customizable to your interests and goals.

You’ll build a strong foundation of hands-on skills while also developing the leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork expertise needed to succeed in your chosen field. You also have the opportunity to choose a concentration or travel experience to deepen your learning.

CIAs bachelors degree programs are offered at our New York campus.

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue blouse and dark trousers, stands leaning forward on a table in a restaurant. The table is set with cups and plates, hinting at her role in food service management. In the background, another person in uniform is seen walking away.
A beekeeper in protective gear holds a frame covered in bees, inspecting it closely. The wooden frame is part of a beehive, with honeycomb visible. The background shows an indoor or sheltered area with wooden walls.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
A close-up view of a gourmet meal with various dishes on a wooden table in a restaurant setting. The main focus is a plated dish with garnish, surrounded by wine glasses, cutlery, and a bread basket. Soft, warm lighting enhances the cozy ambiance.

Additional Undergraduate Opportunities

A man in a gray suit with a striped tie stands behind a bar, smiling with his arms crossed. Several glasses, taps, and bar tools are visible on the counter in front of him. The background features shelves with various bottles and glasses.
Online—for CIA Associate Degree Graduates Only

Grow your opportunities and your earning potential while you work! This convenient online bachelor’s degree program is the perfect way to advance your career and become a leader in the food industry.

Two smiling chefs in white uniforms and tall white chef hats. The focus is on the chef in the foreground, who has a white jacket with indistinct text on it, while the chef in the background is slightly out of focus. Both appear to be in a kitchen setting.
Make the Most of the Credits You’ve Already Earned

Already have some college credits and always thought you might be suited to a career in the food world? CIA’s Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry Arts—offered at our New York campus—may be just what you’re looking for!

Three chefs wearing white uniforms and tall chef hats are focused on their cooking in a professional kitchen. One chef seems to be guiding or instructing the other two, who are working with various pots and utensils at the prestigious culinary school in Singapore.
For Singaporean Polytechnic Institute Diploma Holders

Wouldn’t you love to understand food in a whole new way that perfectly complements your diploma studies? You can, when you broaden your mind at CIA Singapore in our Bachelor of Business Administration in Food Business Management.

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

Explore Our Programs and Find Your Fit

Not sure which degree is right for you? Whether you’re looking to visit one of our campuses or would prefer the convenience of a virtual event, there’s no better way to learn more about CIA’s programs than with one of our admissions events.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Food Is Your Purpose

If you’re looking to advance your career in food, there is no better investment than a CIA education. From hands-on opportunities and expert faculty instruction to unique concentrations and exclusive networking events, our education and experiences are unparalleled. We are also committed to making your CIA education as affordable as possible. Our costs are comparable to similar colleges, with more than 90% of our students receiving some form of financial aid.

The Culinary Institute of America