Your Time Is Now

Advance or Start Your Food Career Here

Whether you’re a food professional or have always dreamed of becoming one, you’re in the right place! The best way to learn is by doing, and you won’t find a better place than the Culinary Institute of America to get a professional hands-on food education. In fact, our CIA community is enriched with people just like you—from all walks of life, who want to transform their passion for food into career growth—and there’s no better time to start than now. Hands-down—the best hands-on education is #onlyatcia.

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Become the Best of the Best

CIA has been educating the world’s premier master chefs and bakers, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, and entrepreneurs for over 75 years—they’re the best of the best. Ready to join them? Hear why it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

Only at CIA

Experience

Hands-on learning with expert faculty.

Internships

World-class, paid internships.

Career

Our industry’s best career fair.

Network

The food world’s most powerful alumni.

Begin an Education Custom Fit to You

We know your interests and goals are unique. That’s why a CIA education isn’t “one size fits all.” At CIA, you’ll find a range of food and hospitality focused bachelor’s and associate degree programs customizable to you through food-centric electives and concentrations.

Learn core culinary or baking and pastry skills and techniques that give you a competitive advantage in the kitchen and beyond. Then expand your foundation with next-level learning in food business management, applied food studies or culinary science. If hospitality management is your passion, we’ll prepare you with a food and beverage focus that gives you a leadership edge.

...Or Build on Your Experience

Make the most of your skills, knowledge, and life experience by earning a CIA degree or certificate—backed by our worldwide reputation for excellence and extraordinary faculty. We’ll help you reach your career goals no matter where you are in your career and education path:

• Changing careers or direction? If you already have at least 30 credits, consider our bachelor’s degree completion program to keep you on track toward graduation. No, college credit—no problem; start with our associate degrees.
• Have the experience, but need the degree? Get college credit for your professional food industry experience with our Turbo Option to earn your CIA degree in as little as 15 months.
• Already have a bachelor’s degree? Whether you’re a food professional looking to expand your credentials or you’re just getting started in the food world, we’ve got you covered!

College Life with a Culinary Twist

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 every one, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, diverse community of students and instructors from all over the world and all walks of life, united in your shared passion for food. Get an up-close look at CIA from home—take a campus tour, join us for an open house, or check out an online events >

What They’re Saying

Students, faculty, alumni…they all agree: CIA is where you need to be. Here’s what just a few of them are saying:

*Financial aid is available to those that qualify.