Search Connecticut Cooking Colleges

Connecticut draws its traditional cuisine influences from a number of sources, from the varied types of seafood known across New England to its famous grinders and hamburgers to its Irish history in some parts of the state. And its proximity to New York exposes it to some of the latest culinary techniques and taste trends.

Culinary schools in the state offer a range of options for would-be chefs, and a central location near some major metropolitan areas to start your job search when you graduate.

Tips Before and After Enrollment

Most schools have an open admissions process, making it easy to get a start on your career. Admission typically only requires the completion of a high-school diploma or GED – in addition to your application and fee, of course. Some programs may ask for more, including an evaluation of your basic kitchen and recipe knowledge. If you have previous work experience in the kitchen, or if you’ve attended some cooking seminars or workshops, that may be enough to prove you have some basic know-how.

The centerpiece of any culinary program should be its kitchen. After all, that’s where you’ll be spending the most time. Look for programs that have student-run kitchens that are fully equipped. Classes should be taught by experienced professor or – even better – chefs. Other important elements to look for include opportunities for internships and apprenticeships and services such as job placement and career counseling. Your primary objective will be to land a job in a kitchen, and your school should have services directed at helping you do that once you graduate.

Completing the Degree

Some things are better with time – like fine wines and cheeses. But your education doesn’t have to be. A typical culinary program takes about half the time of a traditional program – in about two years. If you’re in more of a hurry to start your career, some certificates and diplomas can be completed in a year or less. Night classes and online options offer even more opportunities for accelerating your career track.

Online programs are available for most hospitality and management tracks. But even cooking classes can be taken online with the aid of video instruction. If video classes aren’t available, some schools still offer online culinary degrees that complement previous lab instruction or apprenticeship experience.

Entering the Job Market

The National Restaurant Association predicts little growth in the industry – only about 8 percent over the next 10 years. Graduates are likely to find a job they love in any of the thousands of restaurants, resorts, schools, and hotels in Connecticut. Typical food industry salaries in Connecticut range according to position, city, and experience. A waiter/waitress will earn an annual average salary of $28,590; a Registered Dietitian earns $68,350; a first-line supervisor will earn about $44,940; a head chef will earn approximately $60,810; and a restaurant cook earns an average salary of around $31,690.

2019 wage data sourced from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Current wage conditions in your area may vary.

Networking is key to any field, and it will help with job opportunities and potentially salary. Join professional organizations such as the Connecticut Restaurant Association or the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Work locally by attending food festivals where you can meet local celebrity chefs and other culinary professionals. And enter competitions to show off your own skills. Try out the annual Flavors of Connecticut or the Connecticut Wine Festival.

Campus-based Programs

Lincoln Culinary Institute
8 Progress Drive
Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 929-0592
lincolntech.edu/schools/lincoln-culinary-institute
Culinary Arts
Italian Culinary Arts
Pastry and Baking
ACCSCT Accredited

Manchester Community College
P.O. Box 1046
Manchester, CT 06045-1046
860-512-3000
manchestercc.edu
Foodservice Management
Hotel-Tourism Management
NEASCC Accredited

Naugatuck Valley Community College
750 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT 06708
203-575-8000
nv.edu
Foodservice Management
Hotel Management
NEASC Accredited

Norwalk Community College
188 Richards Ave.
Norwalk, CT 06854-1655
203-857-7000
norwalk.edu
Hospitality Management
NEASC Accredited

University of New Haven
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516-1999
203-932-7440
newhaven.edu
Hotel and Restaurant Management
NEASC Accredited

Online-based programs

American Culinary Federation
The ACF has over 200 chapters in the United States; its main campus is located in Florida
180 Center Place Way
St. Augustine, FL
904-824-4468
www.acfchefs.org
Continuing Education
Chef Certification
Chef Educators
Food Safety Certification
ACFEFAC Accredited

The Art Institutes of Pittsburgh – Online Division
The Ai has over 40 campus locations across North America, plus this online campus
420 Blvd of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA
412-291-6200
www.aionline.edu
Hotel and Restaurant Management
Culinary Management
MSCHE Accredited

Ashworth College
430 Technology Pkwy
Norcross, GA
770-729-9400
www.ashworthcolleg.edu
Professional Gourmet Cooking and Catering
Hotel and Restaurant Management
DETC Accredited

DeVry University
This University has 90 campus locations in 26 different states
One Tower Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
1-866-338-7934
www.devry.edu
Hospitality Management
HLC Accredited

eCornell
eCornell is an online program and subsidiary of Cornell University, located in New York
950 Danby Road, Suite 150
Ithaca, NY
607-330-3200
www.ecornell.com
Leadership and Strategic Management
Project Leadership and Systems Design
Financial Management
Management Essentials
Human Resources Management
Hospitality and Foodservice Management
Certificate in plant-based nutrition
HRCI and PMI Approved

Johnson and Wales University
JWU has campuses in Providence, Charlotte, and North Miami; its largest campus is in Rhode Island
8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI 02903
1-800-DIAL-JWU
www.jwu.edu
Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management
Culinary Arts and Food Service Management
NEASC Accredited

New England Culinary Institute
NECI has two campuses in Vermont; its main campus is in Montpelier
56 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
877-223-6324
www.neci.edu
Hospitality and Restaurant Management
ACCSC Accredited

Penn Foster Career School
925 Oak Street
Scranton, PA 18515
570-343-9635
www.pennfoster.edu
Hotel and Restaurant Management
Catering
DETC & CHEA Accredited

Sullivan University
SU has three campuses in Louisville, Lexington and Fort Knox. The main campus for its Global e-Learning program is located in Louisville
2100 Gardiner Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40205
502-413-8830
1-866-755-7887
www.sullivan.edu
Beverage Management
CCSACS & ACF Accredited

University of Phoenix
This University has campuses in over 40 states, and two locations in Canada
4602 East Elwood Street
Phoenix, AZ
480-968-0587
www.phoenix.edu
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism
HLC Accredited