Alabama Culinary Schools

If you have dreams of preparing your own brand of delicious dishes or walking the aisles of your own restaurant, enrolling in one of best Alabama Culinary Schools might be the launching pad you need for your career. Not only will you learn Southern traditional cuisine, you can garner a range of skills that allow you to work locally and abroad. You get to choose your own level of qualification and hopefully land profitable jobs along your journey to being a master chef.

There are different types of qualification. You have the option of studying for a certificate, Associate degrees and even 4 year bachelor degrees depending on the college you choose. There are also specialised degrees in pastry and baking if you would like to be a pro in that area. Subjects covered in certificate programs are different from culinary degrees in that the curriculum is more extensive in the latter.

Courses offered at Alabama culinary schools:

Certificate program curriculum include training in:

• Nutrition
• Cooking methods
• Food safety
• Baking fundamentals
• Knife skills
• Procedures and operations in restaurants
• Local and international cuisine

Associate and Bachelor’s degrees might extend their programs to include:

• Menu planning
• Cost control
• Use of cooking equipment
• Beverages
• Ethnic cuisine
• Food service purchasing
• Hospitality management
• Tourism

The level of qualification will affect the probability of getting jobs and where those jobs are based. Whether you’re enrolled for a certificate or degree, once you’ve completed the course, you are eligible to apply for jobs in local diners, restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels, resorts, casinos, spas and businesses. Some qualified chefs also apply for posts in the military or overseas.

Best Alabama Culinary Schools

Certificates, associate and bachelor degrees are available at universities, technical institutes, community colleges and other training organizations. Regardless of the course you select, it is wise to ensure it is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission.

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama offers world-class 4 year bachelor degrees to train future chefs for the industry.

Culinary Institute of Virginia College

The Culinary Institute of Virginia College, also known as Culinard, hosts a 4 month or 36-week program for culinary students to complete and receive certification

Samford University

Samford University is well-known for offering culinary programs where most students qualify as dieticians

Trenholm State technical college

Trenholm State technical college culinary arts program has won awards and is one of the best accredited courses you can find

Community Colleges

Community colleges such as the Jefferson State Community College and Faulkner State Community College also rank among the top culinary course providers in Alabama

Most students who pass culinary courses from these accredited Alabama culinary schools find job-hunting relatively easier than from those from unaccredited institutions. However, even after receiving your qualification, it’s important to take advantage of local opportunities to further your career and reputation. Alabama hosts annual food conferences and festivals where newly-qualified chefs can show off their skills, creativity and talent. It’s also a great way to network with potential employers.

Check out our Cooking Schools page for information on other culinary schools per state.