Benefits of a Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Education

This institute was founded in 1986 but closed in 2012. This page contains old information & is now in archived status.

Pennsylvania is home to one of the 17 affiliated Le Cordon Bleu programs in the country – an internationally recognized training program for new chefs. Whether you’re interested in becoming the next hot cooking star, or you want to learn how to run your own restaurant, the Pennsylvania Culinary Academy offers the training and the degrees to prepare you for your culinary career.

What You’ll Get

There are several degree options at the Pennsylvania Culinary Academy: Culinary Arts, Culinary Techniques, Patisserie and Baking and Hospitality and Restaurant Management. The academy, which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, is located in downtown Pittsburgh, and the program features small classroom sizes, courses taught by experienced instructors in industry-current kitchens, and services for academic guidance and tutoring. Other amenities include a food service library, a computer lab, a virtual library, an online student portal for grades, schedules and more, and student clubs. The program focus combines a theoretical foundation in classic culinary techniques with practical, hands-on training with instructors who have had experience as chefs or in the restaurant industry.

How long it will take you to finish your degree depends on the track you choose and whether you plan to study full time. Typically, it takes about 15 to 21 months to finish the associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, 15 months to finish the associate’s degrees in Patisserie and Baking and in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, and about 42 quarter credit hours to finish the certificate in Culinary Techniques. In addition, students are required to complete a paid externship that ranges in length from six to 15 weeks to graduate. If you choose to study part-time, it will take longer to finish your degree.

Career Preparation

The overall focus of the program is on preparing students for the job market and helping place students in culinary careers. Hands-on training is key to that goal, and the school offers an on-campus restaurant that is open to the public and is run by the students, who also prepare and serve the meals. The restaurant, Azure 18, offers contemporary-style cuisine and a prix-fixe menu. Other training opportunities and competitions are offered throughout the year, including a chocolate demonstration and open house and a gingerbread competition. Notable chefs are also invited to give guest lectures and demonstrations.

Students are also prepared to enter the job market through counseling on interviewing, resume writing and networking. Career services at the school also offer assistance with job searches and finding externships, and offer career and job fairs throughout the year. Alumni are also supported through the alumni association, which offers networking opportunities and access to industry events.

Getting In and Paying for College

Applicants must meet some basic requirements for admission, including completion of a high-school diploma or its equivalent and the execution of enrollment documents including the application and transcript request forms. Students must also show one of the following: minimum SAT or ACT scores, completion of an associate’s degree, or completion of a post-secondary English course or an advanced placement course with minimum academic requirements. Students will be required to undergo entrance testing if one of those requirements is not met. International students are held to the same admissions standards, and those who do not have English as a native language may be required to undergo language testing. An affidavit of financial support will also be required.

Your investment in your studies will depend upon the program you choose. Tuition ranges from $12,300 to $37,700, with average costs for books and other supplies at about $3,000 to $5,000. Tuition for the associate’s in Culinary Arts is $37,700, but is only $12,300 for the diploma in Culinary Techniques. If a student chooses part-time study, tuition is charged per credit hour enrolled. Tuition for the associate’s in Patisserie and Baking is $33,300, and for the associate’s in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, it is $32,300. A student services fee of $165 is charged for all students, and the application fee is $50. Financial aid is available, and students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to be considered. Scholarships and other assistance are available through various culinary organizations and other groups.

School Information:

Pennsylvania Culinary Academy
717 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-566-2433
www.chefs.edu/pittsburgh

This institute was founded in 1986 but closed in 2012. This page contains old information & is now in archived status.