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.

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

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.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.)

Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate.

Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

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.

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 school’s catalog 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.

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.

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.