Online Cooking Schools: How to Choose

Cooking and kitchen skills are almost always learned hands-on, so it is rare to find classes online. However, cooking is only one aspect of the culinary and hospitality industry; a number of schools have online programs that prepare student for other jobs, such as restaurant manager, food and beverage manager, hospitality supervisor, restaurant critic or dietician.

How to Choose an Online Cooking School

Award Levels

Online degrees are typically available at the undergraduate level. Most programs are designed for those already working in the food industry. It is important to check for prerequisites, since prior completion of a formal cooking program is usually required. Diplomas in cooking exist online but are very rare.

Career Goals

There are perhaps as many kinds of cooking professionals as there are recipes. Chefs, head cooks, food preparers, serving supervisors, sous chefs, dieticians and grill cooks are just a few of those involving food preparation. Other job categories focus on management of restaurants, food and beverage purchase, product sales and entrepreneurship. Graduates of an online program may use their education to enhance a current job or to move into a new area of work or responsibility.

Program Type

Many culinary degree programs are available completely online. Schools typically provide service through a learning management system that is accessible at a student's convenience. Free downloadable plug-ins, such as Acrobat Reader or Java, may also be needed. Online programs generally require computer speakers or a headset for video lectures.

List of Online Cooking Programs

Diploma Program in Gourmet Cooking

Online training in kitchen and cooking skills is very rare, but with persistence, aspiring cooks can find a diploma-level program. Coursework covers information on food groups, equipment, sanitation and event catering, as well as assigning recipes to prepare. Learning combines textbook reading with online tutorials and exams, culminating in the practice of cooking. Students should acquire required cooking supplies and foods needed for the program, since these are not provided by the school.

Associate of Science in Culinary Arts Programs

Studies focus on restaurant management and other aspects of hospitality and food service professions. Coursework is diverse, including education on wines and beverages, cultural cuisine, food service law and supervising. Applicable general education topics, such as math and communications, are also required, and some schools provide culinary career planning classes.
Graduates will be ready for entry level management jobs, such as wine steward, front desk assistant or maitre d', and will be prepared to advance as they gain experience. Technical equipment for online courses will include a newer computer with high-speed Internet and e-mail access, and may require the purchase of special software and printed textbooks.

Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management Programs

Bachelor's programs are usually intended for individuals with a culinary arts or related associate degree. Some schools may also accept completion of an apprenticeship or American Culinary Federation certification as course credit. Applicants are expected to be well-versed in a full spectrum of cooking techniques, including baking, grilling and simmering.
Advanced culinary management courses focus on cuisine trends, and innovations in both cooking and management technology. Students gain a comprehensive view of the hospitality industry, including large facility and event planning, marketing and business psychology.
Those interested in applying to a bachelor's degree program will want to consider that, although classes are offered online, some schools require a brief on-campus residency to qualify for admission. Students may also need to pass a Conference for Food Protection certification exam in order to graduate.