Choosing an Online Culinary Arts School

You are ready for a new career, and working with food seems like the right direction. So how do you get the education you require to land a great job in a restaurant, hotel, or bakery? Perhaps attending a physical school is not your cup of tea, in which case there are always online schools out there ready to train you. All you need to do is pick the right one. Here are a few pointers on how to go about choosing a good online school:

Accreditation

You want your certificate or diploma to count for something, so make sure that the program you choose is accredited by American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC). This will ensure that the programs you take meet the standards of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and in turn makes sure that you have the education you need to get the job of your choice in the culinary arts field.

Range of Programs

Unless you want to specialize in French pastries from the get go, it is a good idea to choose a school that gives you a good range of programs to choose from. If you are thinking of opening your own business with your new skills then it is a good idea to take some business courses as well. Generally a good culinary arts school will offer a decent range of programs from both cooking and business fields.

Flexibility

You are likely choosing an online school because you need a flexible schedule, but that doesn't mean that any online school will do. Are you able to attend video classroom conferences if they are mandatory? Can you complete the curriculum at your own pace? These are all good questions to ask and answer before you sign up.

Entrance Requirements

Depending on your field of study you may need to meet certain educational requirements before you can attend a culinary arts school. If you are missing certain credits you may be able to complete them as you go, or you may have to get it done before you apply. Making sure you understand the entrance requirements will save you a headache in the future.

Payments and Scholarships

Besides paying for tuition, you may also need quite a few tools for your kitchen in order to participate in your classes. These expenses can add up, so pick a school that offers a flexible payment program or financial aid. This way you don't have to stress about money while you are whipping up a batch of ganache. Also look for schools with good scholarship programs, you never know if you qualify and it can ease some of your financial strain.

Hands-On Training

Sure you can learn how to cook by watching a video, but for some types of culinary arts it is good to have some hands-on experience. Find out whether your online school can help you get experience through an internship or by pairing you up with a local chef or trainer for some one-on-one training.

Published: 2009-11-02