Culinary Arts

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts provides comprehensive training across all aspects of professional cooking. The culinary arts program covers essential cooking techniques, from basic food preparation to advanced methods used in fine dining. Culinary students explore American cuisine, Classical French techniques, and international cuisines from around the globe, building a solid foundation in both traditional and contemporary styles. Courses address critical areas including food safety, nutrition, baking techniques, pastry preparation, and food service management. Students also develop practical skills in menu planning, food costs control, and supervision. The final course, a 12-credit externship, gives students hands-on experience in real restaurants or food service operations, connecting classroom learning to professional practice.
 
The Center for Culinary Arts at Keiser University holds accreditation from the American Culinary Federation, a mark of quality in culinary education. Recognition from the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) further validates the program’s commitment to professional standards and global cuisines.

Program Mission

The Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts presents a comprehensive curriculum that includes laboratory sessions, academic preparation and hands-on experience. Students acquire professional knowledge of food, its preparation and handling and cooking from basic to advanced. The curriculum includes an externship to prepare students for entry-level positions in the foodservice industry.

Program Goals

The program equips culinary arts students with the skills needed to prepare wholesome, visually appealing dishes while fostering techniques that emphasize both quality and presentation. In addition, it creates a supportive learning environment designed to nurture confidence, professionalism, and the ability to succeed in the foodservice industry. Ultimately, this foundation prepares students for entry-level employment by developing the practical knowledge and hands-on experience required in real-world culinary settings.

Prerequisites

None. The culinary arts program welcomes students from all backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, career changers, and working professionals seeking to enter the foodservice industry.

Program Highlights

• Accredited by the American Culinary Federation
• Recognized by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS)
• Hands-on training in professional test kitchens
• 12-credit externship providing real world experience
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction
• Training in global cuisines and baking techniques
• Food safety certification preparation
• Focus on both culinary skills and food service management

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The Center for Culinary Arts at Keiser University is accredited by the and has been accepted by the (WACS) into their Recognition of Quality Culinary Education program, demonstrating the program’s commitment to culinary education excellence.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Culinary Career

• Professional cooking techniques and knife skills
• Baking and pastry preparation methods
• International cuisine preparation
• Menu planning and recipe development
• Food safety and sanitation standards
• Food costs analysis and inventory management
• Leadership and team supervision
• Customer service in dining rooms
• Kitchen management and organization
• Meal planning and nutrition basics

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 24 months and 72 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $1,600.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

The curriculum combines 48 credits of culinary-major coursework with 24 credits of general education. Culinary courses span foundational technique, baking and pastry, classical and international cuisine, garde manger, dining-room service, and kitchen cost controls, capped by a supervised externship. The full course list appears below.

Graduates of Keiser University’s culinary arts program find career opportunities across the foodservice industry. From restaurants and hotels to catering companies and corporate dining rooms, culinary arts students learn the skills employers seek. The associate in applied science degree prepares students for positions that require both culinary techniques and business understanding, including roles in food service management, menu planning, and food costs analysis.

Career Pathways in Culinary Arts

• Line cook at restaurants and hotels
• Sous chef
• Pastry chef
• Catering chef
• Personal chef
• Food service manager
• Restaurant supervisor

• Dining room manager
• Kitchen manager
• Banquet chef
• Country club chef
• Cruise ship chef
• Test kitchen specialist
• Food production manager

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AS Culinary Arts.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application
2. Speak with an admissions advisor
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits
4. Enroll and choose your start date

Keiser University’s culinary arts program provides the hands-on training and professional culinary education you need to start a successful career in the food service industry. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and connections to the restaurant industry through our externship program, we prepare graduates to meet the demands of professional kitchens. Whether your goal includes working in fine dining, opening your own food business, or managing culinary operations, Keiser offers the applied science degree and practical experience to help you achieve it.