Culinary Arts
Associate Degree
Culinary Arts Associate Degree
If the smell of freshly baked goodies in the most successful cafes and bakeries is what keeps you going, this CIA Associate in Bakery and Pastry Arts programs is the right place for you.
INTAKES
Spring, Summer, Fall
DURATION
19 Months
LOCATIONS
New York, California, Texas
- Learn how to prepare high end products like chocolates, confections, artisan breads, cakes and plated desserts.
- Study pastry techniques, baking ingredients and technology, and principles of design.
- Gain real world experience via CIA’s 2000+ paid internship opportunities across the industry.
- The cherry on top is adding additional skills like management, communications and finance which are required in an industry like this.
- Explore how a retail bakery operates through CIA’s bakery cafe and one of our renowned live-action classrooms
Network with the top employers in this industry that recruit at the CIA all year round
From restaurants and hotels to casinos and other exciting dining venues, find the best career path for you.
Executive chef
Food and beverage management
Food writing
Restaurant ownership
Media and public relations
Research and education
Hotel management
With such an extensive list, the career service staff is on its toes to ensure a smooth journey every step of the way. The CIA networks is one of the best in class, which includes the most recognised and decorated names in the industry.
Contact us to know more details.
New York & California Campus
54 credits in culinary arts requirements
9 credits in liberal arts requirements
6 credits in business management requirements
You will get a hands-on experiential foundation in the culinary arts, including classic and contemporary cooking techniques, flavor and menu development, nutrition, wines, production cooking, and world cuisines.
As part of your degree program, you’ll get 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 the CIA’s award-winning public restaurants.
Texas Campus
48 credits in culinary arts requirements
15 credits in liberal arts requirements
6 credits in business management requirements
Here is everything you need to start your journey with CIA
- Complete the Application form.
- Request official transcripts: Download the Transcript Request Form and ask your high school and/or any postsecondary colleges to provide your transcripts electronically via Parchment Exchange or mail your official transcripts directly to the CIA Admissions Office. – If you hold an equivalency diploma, the official test scores must be submitted.
- Submit an Essay: Submit a personal statement (200–500 words) telling us: – Why you’re passionate about the food and hospitality industry – What experiences you have – How you feel that your experiences have prepared you for The Culinary Institute of America.
- Passport: – A mandatory requirement for identification verification – The official passport document from your home country is required to confirm your citizenship.
- Proof of Funding: Proof of funding can be a copy of a bank statement from a savings account, certificate of deposit, or money market account showing proof of funding by your sponsor OR a letter from the bank verifying that the required funds are reserved for your education. We require proof of one year’s tuition and fees, equal to $50,000 USD for our undergraduate programs or $25,000 USD for our master’s programs. Download a copy of the official bank certification form.
- Declaration of Financial Support: A letter of financial support from your sponsor stating that he or she intends to cover all tuition and living expenses while you study at the CIA. Students must submit this form even if supporting themselves.
Download a copy of the declaration form for undergraduate students >
Download a copy of the declaration form for graduate students > - Proof of English Proficiency: If English is not your native language, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency either by test results or participating in classroom instruction. Learn about CIA’s English proficiency requirement.
Here’s a quick video tutorial for a clear step-by-step tutorial on how to apply to CIA
Here’s a quick video tutorial for a clear step-by-step tutorial on how to apply to CIA
Application Process
Follow our simple steps to apply and move closer to your dream career in the food industry
Here’s a quick video tutorial for a clear step-by-step tutorial on how to apply to CIA
Here’s a quick video tutorial for a clear step-by-step tutorial on how to apply to CIA
Scholarship & FINANCIAL Aid
The CIA is very committed to making your CIA education as affordable as possible. Our costs are comparable to similar colleges, and here’s even better news—more than 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid.
Don’t let applying for financial assistance keep you from going to the world’s premier culinary college.