Top 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions
(2024, Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine)
Unlock Your Potential in the Culinary Arts Career Field
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Top 25 university in the country in providing Social Mobility, including being ranked #1 in 2023
(U.S. News & World Report)
#2 Best 4-year graduation rates, private, nonprofit, nonresidential
(2023, The Chronicle of Higher Ed.)
Build Career-Focused Culinary Skills
- Contemporary cooking techniques and food preparation
- Baking and pastry skills for professional kitchens
- Food and beverage purchasing and cost controls
- Restaurant management and supervision
- Garde manger and plating presentations
- Nutrition and menu planning
- Proper storage and sanitation procedures
- Leadership and team management
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With flexible learning formats including on-campus, online, and hybrid classes, along with experienced faculty and comprehensive student support, Keiser University helps students achieve their personal and professional goals at every stage.
“Even during the 2010 economic downturn, Florida’s hospitality industry continued hiring culinary professionals. The state’s tourism-driven economy provides more employment stability than many other regions.”
Accredited University
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic and professional standards.
Flexible Learning Options
Study online or on-campus at Florida locations. Choose one class at a time, on-campus, online, or hybrid. Evening and weekend options are available for working adults at select campuses.
Financial Services
We’re here to help guide you through the financial aid process and provide assistance. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid are available for students who qualify.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Culinary Arts Degree
Keiser University students share a common goal: building meaningful careers through practical education. With online and on-campus options, our programs prepare graduates for careers in the culinary industry, providing skills and confidence for success in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and beyond.
Career Pathways in the Culinary and Hospitality Industry
Graduates of Keiser University’s culinary programs gain the industry experience needed for a wide spectrum of roles across the hospitality and culinary fields:
- Executive Chef
- Sous Chef or Line Cook
- Pastry Chef or Bakery Manager
- Restaurant Manager
- Catering Director
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Culinary Instructor or Educator
- Private Chef
- Food Service Director
- Hotel Executive Chef
- Banquet Chef
- Research and Development Chef
Are You Already Working in Restaurants or the Hospitality Industry?
Certified culinary professionals and hospitality workers may qualify for transfer credits based on prior learning and experience. Our flexible, shift-friendly schedule makes it easier to balance work and school, allowing you to advance your career goals without sacrificing your current position.
See What Sets Keiser Apart
Keiser University offers small class sizes that foster personalized learning, with a one-course-at-a-time format to help students stay focused and engaged. In addition to hands-on, in-person instruction at convenient campus locations, including specialized programs such as Culinary Arts, many general education courses may be completed online, providing the flexibility to fit your education into your life and schedule.
Students Testimonials
At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives
Culinary Arts Programs Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a culinary arts degree online at Keiser University?
Some culinary classes and general education courses may be available online, but hands-on culinary training requires on-campus attendance at our culinary labs and kitchens. Contact an admissions advisor for more info about which courses offer online programs and which require campus attendance.
What distinguishes the Culinary Arts program from the Baking and Pastry Arts program?
The Associate of Science in Culinary Arts focuses on comprehensive cooking techniques, restaurant operations, and diverse cuisines including American Regional, Classical French, and International cooking. The Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts specializes in bread making, desserts, cake decoration, chocolates, and pastry production. Both programs prepare students for successful careers in the culinary industry, but with different areas of focus.
What career opportunities can I pursue with a culinary degree?
Graduates of our culinary degree programs can pursue careers as executive chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers, food service directors, catering managers, private chefs, culinary educators, and many other roles in restaurants, hotels, resorts, bakeries, food service operations, or start your own business in the culinary industry, such as a pop-up kitchen.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Does Keiser offer financial aid for culinary students?
Absolutely. Culinary students can access financial aid resources including grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
How long does completing a culinary arts degree take?
The Associate of Science in Culinary Arts and the Associate of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts each require 72 credit hours, typically completed in approximately 2 years of full-time study.
Keiser offers 4 to 8 week terms. The time to degree completion is an estimate, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.
What makes Keiser's culinary program different from other culinary schools?
Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts holds accreditation from the American Culinary Federation and recognition from the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). Our programs combine hands-on experience in professional kitchens with comprehensive academic preparation. Students gain real-world experience through externships, learn from experienced faculty with industry experience, and benefit from small class sizes that provide personalized attention.
What courses will I take in a culinary program?
Culinary arts courses at Keiser include both foundational and advanced topics, such as:
- Mise en Place
- Farm to Fork
- Principles of Food
- The Craft
- American Regional Cuisine
- Classical French Cuisine
- International Cuisine
- Garde Manger
- Baking
- Pastries and Desserts
- Supervision and Cost Controls
- Dining Room Service
Baking and pastry courses include specialized classes in yeast breads, laminated dough, advanced pastry techniques, chocolates and confections, cake design, and wedding cake production. Specific course requirements vary by program.
How much does earning a culinary arts degree cost?
The cost per credit hour at Keiser University is the same for both online and on-campus courses. Total program costs vary based on the number of credit hours required and applicable educational fees. Keiser University offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement for students who qualify. Use the Tuition Calculator to estimate your costs, or speak with an admissions advisor who can walk you through tuition, fees, and available financial assistance options.
Will I gain hands-on experience during the program?
Yes. Both culinary programs emphasize hands-on learning in professional kitchen labs. Students work with industry-standard equipment, prepare meals in dining rooms, and complete externships that provide real-world experience in restaurants, hotels, bakeries, or other food service operations. This practical training prepares you for the demands of professional culinary careers.
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