The Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education since its founding in 1946. With campuses in New York, California, and Texas, and an additional location in Singapore, we offer bachelor’s degrees in applied food studies, culinary science, food business management, and hospitality management; associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; executive education; certificate programs; and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. In addition, our conferences and consulting services have made us the think tank of the food industry. 

For more than seven decades, the CIA has been at the forefront of innovation and education excellence. From humble beginnings as a storefront cooking school in New Haven, Conn., to multiple campuses around the world today, it’s been a remarkable story defined by amazing achievements, academic and professional excellence, diverse and accomplished individuals, and great food.

CIA is a private, not-for-profit college dedicated to providing the world’s best professional culinary education. Excellence, leadership, professionalism, ethics, and respect for diversity are the core values that guide our efforts. We teach our students the general knowledge and specific skills necessary to live successful lives and to grow into positions of influence and leadership in their chosen profession.

Because the CIA is renowned for its academic excellence and culinary expertise, we are often the ones driving important conversations in the food industry. These topics range from health and wellness to world cuisine to sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. Our programs and conferences advance not only the food profession, but the way the world eats.

The best way to learn is by doing, and you won’t find a better place to get hands-on with food than the CIA. You’ll build a strong foundation as you prepare for your successful food career, on a campus with plenty of wide-open spaces to explore and things to do. Plus, our variety of internships, study-abroad programs, and bachelor’s degree concentrations add even more depth to your experience.

The student’s passion for food is tailor-made for a CIA degree program. The unique learning, teamwork, and food-focused academics you’ll experience every day will help you grow and fully discover this exciting profession.

 

Location

CIA embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of our student body. No matter where in the world you come from or where you are in your life’s journey, you’ll be part of a diverse community of students and instructors. We believe this diversity makes us stronger and so we’re committed to creating a campus environment that’s welcoming to all, built upon mutual respect and strengthened through dialogue and interaction.

At the CIA, you’ll find all the ingredients you need to create a college experience that’s uniquely yours — guided by your passions, your interests, and your imagination. Each of our campuses offers a distinct flavor, a unique feel; yet at every one, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, diverse community of students and instructors from all over the world, united in your shared passion for food.

CIA campuses:

  • CIA New York (USA)

Set along the beautiful Hudson River, our New York campus is unmatched by any other culinary college in the world. If you want an amazing culinary education and the fun experience of being a student living on a traditional college campus, this is the Culinary Institute of America location for you. It’s a dynamic collegiate atmosphere, and you’ll be immersed in it.

  • CIA California (USA)

Spanning two locations in the heart of Wine Country—the CIA at Greystone in St. Helena and the CIA at Copia in Napa—it’s a food and wine lover’s paradise. This is a truly unique venue for culinary education. There are so many amazing industry conferences, special events, and classes going on here, you can’t help but be inspired.

  • CIA San Antonio, Texas (USA)

At the CIA San Antonio, you’ll join a close-knit community of people who share a passion for food. Located along the San Antonio River Walk, this CIA campus is a diverse blend of future chefs, food lovers, and culinary leaders. It’s part of the vibrant Pearl complex, which features an exciting array of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

  • CIA Singapore

Thanks to the college’s historic partnership with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the CIA offers its renowned food business management bachelor’s degree program in Asia. With its state-of-the-art facilities at Temasek Polytechnic, the CIA Singapore provides you with a spirited, enriching learning experience.

 

School & Faculty

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Culinary Arts
  • Applied Food Studies
  • Culinary Science
  • Food Business Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Food Business Leadership — Online
  • Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
  • Food Business Management — Singapore
  • Wine Management
  • Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program

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Rankings

No. 1 Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America by Niche 2018

No. 1 Best Culinary Schools in America by The Best Schools 2017

No. 2 Best Colleges campus in New York by Niche 2018

No. 3 Best Colleges food in America by Niche 2018

No. 3 Most Diverse Colleges in New York by Niche 2018