Culinary Schools in Missouri

Missouri culinary schools do not compromise when it comes to the quality of their culinary education and training. Students, professional chefs and critics can all attest to the first-rate training offered at these schools. On top of that, cities like St. Louis and Springfield come alive as tourists drive in for tasty weekend getaways and festivals are thrown all over the state. Admission into a great culinary school is all that stands between you and an unforgettable learning experience.

Choosing the most suitable Missouri culinary schools to enrol might be a little harder than you think. You need to assess each school’s curriculum, check if there are facilities available, investigate their job placement ability and find out which modules will lead to qualifying for which jobs. During your school search, you are bound to come across certificate, diploma, associate and bachelor degrees. While some take only months to complete, other programs like degrees might take a few years.

Certificates and diplomas are often categorised as accelerated programs because of the intensive technical training they provide and the short duration of the courses. These training programs are specifically formulated for students who would like to start job hunting and working as soon as they can. Associate degrees can last for 2 years and usually include theoretical subjects as well as practical work experience. Bachelor degrees and advanced studies are the most theoretical qualification programs out there and should be balanced with adequate practical know-how to work after graduation.

The most popular courses offered by Missouri culinary schools are:

• Culinary arts
• Hospitality management
• Restaurant administration and management
• Cooking and baking fundamentals and methods
• Baking and Pastry
• Nutrition
• Dietetics
• Food safety and sanitation
• Hotel management
• Kitchen studies
• Kitchen equipment use and care

After graduation, you can land a job in a restaurant, spa, resort, casino, school, business, hospital, culinary institute and other institutions where hospitality is the order of the day.

Missouri culinary schools accredited by the America Culinary Federation are plenty and the best of these are:

L’Ecole Culinaire is a top institution that provides students with quality education as well as updated facilities such as kitchens and computer laboratories. It offers associate degrees in culinary arts and diplomas in culinary basics.

University of Missouri-Colombia outshines most of its counterparts when it comes to nutrition, hospitality management and food science

Other top institutions include the Central Missouri State University, East Central College, Forest Park Community College, Lake Career and Technical Centre, Rolla Technical Institute, Fontbonne College, Forest Park Community College, Northwest Missouri State University, Jefferson College and College of the Ozarks.

This is not a complete list of reputable Missouri culinary schools but it might give you a good place to start your search. Once you’ve been admitted, it’s wise to join the American Culinary Federation, Research Chefs Association or the United States Personal Chefs Association. Being a member will allow you to receive news about career opportunities and give access to great advice.