Online Culinary Courses and Classes Overview

Have you ever dreamed of running the ideal restaurant, with great food, good service and an extraordinary atmosphere offered to the customers? Culinary courses and classes can teach you what you need to know! Offered in online, hybrid and on-campus formats, culinary courses help students gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the culinary field. Courses include topics such as purchasing, menus, restaurant management and more.

Online Culinary Courses and Classes

Culinary courses and classes are offered in many colleges, vocational schools and universities as part of their online programs. Students have the opportunity to pursue an education in the culinary field from the comfort of their home or on any computer with Internet access. Some culinary courses may be offered fully online, while others may require on-the-job training on campus or at eligible restaurants.
Students enrolled in online culinary courses can earn diplomas and certificates or pursue degrees. Options include an Associate of Occupational Studies in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Culinary Management or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Culinary Management.
Some degree programs, such as a B.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management and a B.S. in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, are designed for students who have earned an associate degree in baking and pastry arts or in culinary arts. These online degree-completion programs build on the students' prior hands-on experience and allow them to advance to a 4-year degree. Graduates can find career opportunities working for restaurants, fine hotels, catering companies or any business providing food and food service.

Online Requirements

Students taking online culinary courses and classes need a computer with Internet access and an e-mail address. Depending on the school and course, learning materials are offered in various formats, including streaming audio and video files, Web conferencing, webinars, recorded material and class lectures. Computers must meet basic requirements to support the learning delivery methods.
Basic computer requirements typically include a compatible Web browser such as the latest version of Internet Explorer or Firefox, an up-to-date Windows or Mac operating system, media drives, head phones, speakers and sufficient RAM, processor speed and hard drive space. Software requirements may include Microsoft Word, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader and a current antivirus program.

Popular Online Culinary Courses

Basics of Purchasing and Product Identification

In this course, students learn about the process of purchasing merchandise for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Topics of study include pricing and payments, security and storage, food and non-food product specifications, distribution systems, ordering procedures and supplier chains.

Management of Food and Beverage Operations

Students gain an understanding of the hospitality business from purchasing to marketing, with an emphasis on methods of cost control for products and labor. The online coursework covers the analysis of costs through menu pricing and planning, purchasing, forecasting and quality assurance.

Advanced Menu Analysis Course

This course teaches students the importance of researching market trends and their effect on the commercial food service industry. Focus is also on analyzing how current menu designs affect different food service operations. Students use menu design techniques to create engaging menus as part of their online assignments.

Basics of Nutrition Course

This course teaches students basic human nutrition, emphasizing the necessity of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids for energy. Students learn how to ensure that they have and maintain nutritional balance with adequate vitamins and minerals. They also study the harm that can develop from nutrient deficiencies.

Food and Culture Course

The dynamics of food and culture are explored in this course as students learn about the foods associated with different ethnic groups. This course helps students recognize the importance of understanding cultural diversity in the food and hospitality industry.

Food Science Course

Students learn about the chemical and physical properties and characteristics of food; the online course may utilize video demonstrations. The coursework examines different food preparation techniques used to enhance these properties, keeping health and nutrition in mind.