Online Chef Degree and Certificate Programs

Culinary degrees for chefs are not offered online; however, students interested in distance learning can complete a cooking certificate program online. In addition to online components, distance-learning cooking programs typically involve textbooks that are shipped to the student's home.

Overview of Online Cooking Certificate Programs

Online culinary programs teach students to prepare everything from basic recipes to gourmet creations. Lesson plans include courses in cooking basics, sanitation and safety practices, menu planning and nutrition. Courses also dedicate time to different meal components, including sauces, soups, meats, fish, pastas and grains, vegetables, salads, eggs and desserts. Several programs also provide information on establishing a catering business.

Online Program Information and Requirements

Admission to an online culinary program is available to anyone who wants to learn to cook or start a catering business. Registration, communication with course instructors and assessments typically take place online, but course materials include textbooks and workbooks that are delivered to students. Course materials include recipes that students are expected to create. The pace of such programs is generally up to the individual and students have the flexibility to complete program requirements at their convenience.

List of Common Cooking Courses

Course topics cover all aspects of cooking from selecting ingredients to preparing and serving meals.

Nutrition Course

A course in nutrition teaches students the basics of nutrition, such as creating a balanced diet according to the USDA food guide pyramid, ingredient substitutes, low-fat food alternatives, reading food packaging labels and portion control.

Cooking Poultry Course

This course helps students identify the various kinds of poultry used for cooking. Students learn to properly select, butcher and prepare poultry.

Making Pastries Course

This course teaches students the skills necessary to make pies, tarts, soufflés and pastries. Topics covered include making dough, mixing fillings, decorating and storing pastry items.

Introduction to Catering Course

This course reviews various laws and regulations for starting a catering company, necessary items for keeping a professional kitchen well-stocked, and creating a business plan and menus. Students also learn about working with vendors and wholesalers, creating a marketing plan, hiring staff and creating proposals.

Career Information for Graduates

Individuals who complete an online cooking course are eligible to enter the culinary field as a cook, catering manager, banquet manager or baker. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for cooks in May of 2009 was $22,170. This field is expected to increase in employment opportunities by ten percent for cooks in the 2008-2018 decade, which is slower than the national average.

Certification and Continuing Education Information

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) certifies chefs of various skill levels. Students interested in certification must apply to the ACF and provide an application fee, school transcripts or certificates of completion, employment documentation forms, and certificates of completion for ACF-approved courses in safety and sanitation food practices, culinary management and nutrition. Successful online cooking graduates who are interested in advancement opportunities may want to enroll in a culinary school.