Question 1

What's the difference between Culinary Arts/Chef Training and Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General?

Accepted Answer

Culinary Arts/Chef Training (CIP 12.0503) is the most structured and widely offered path—276 colleges offer it and it produced 4,721 completions—typically culminating in an associate degree with hands-on kitchen rotations, classical technique, and nutrition coursework. Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General (CIP 12.0500) is a broader, less standardized credential offered at 97 colleges with 868 completions; programs under this code vary widely in depth and may be shorter certificate offerings. If you want the credential most recognized by hiring managers for a line-cook-to-sous-chef track, Culinary Arts/Chef Training is the stronger baseline.

Question 2

How do I choose between a culinary major and a restaurant management major?

Accepted Answer

Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager (CIP 12.0504) is aimed at students who want to supervise and operate food-service businesses rather than cook. Its top career outcome is First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers, with a median wage of $42,010—modestly higher than the $36,830 median for restaurant cooks. If your goal is ownership or management within five years, the management credential provides coursework in cost control, scheduling, and compliance that a pure culinary degree won't cover. If mastering the craft and advancing through kitchen hierarchy is the goal, Culinary Arts/Chef Training is the right starting point.

Question 3

What do graduates from this concentration typically earn?

Accepted Answer

The median earnings across all majors in CIP Family 12 is approximately $40,224, but that average blends a wide range. The highest-demand culinary roles—restaurant cooks and bartenders—post median wages of $36,830 and $33,530 respectively, while food-service supervisors reach $42,010. Funeral service and mortuary science graduates often earn above the family median once licensed, given the specialized nature of the credential. Cosmetology and beauty-service graduates' earnings vary significantly based on booth rental vs. employed arrangements, commission structures, and clientele.

Question 4

Which majors in this concentration are most accessible at community colleges?

Accepted Answer

Culinary Arts/Chef Training leads with 276 colleges offering the program, followed by Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General at 135 colleges and Baking and Pastry Arts at 98 colleges. These three are the backbone of community-college culinary and personal-services offerings and are typically available at in-state tuition rates, often completed in one to two years. Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs exist at 59 colleges and are more regionally concentrated due to state licensure board requirements.

Question 5

Is a bachelor's degree worth pursuing in this concentration?

Accepted Answer

Most majors in CIP Family 12 are credential and associate-degree driven rather than bachelor's-track programs—the industry values licensure and demonstrated skill over academic titles. Culinary Science/Culinology (CIP 12.0509) is a notable exception, offered at 11 colleges and oriented toward food product development and food-science roles that may require or benefit from a four-year degree. For the majority of programs here, the ROI calculus favors a focused two-year credential that gets you licensed and earning quickly over a longer and more expensive bachelor's path.

Question 6

What licensure or certification should I expect to need after graduating?

Accepted Answer

Licensing requirements depend heavily on the specific major and state. Cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology graduates must pass state board exams to practice—requirements vary by state. Funeral service and mortuary science graduates must meet both state licensing requirements and, in many cases, pass the National Board Exam administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Culinary graduates generally do not face mandatory licensure, but ServSafe food-handler certification is expected by virtually all employers. Checking your target state's licensing board before enrolling is essential.

Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services

Sorted by popularity

Culinary Arts/Chef Training

Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef

Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General

Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General

Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager

Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager

Funeral Direction/Service

Culinary Science/Culinology

Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant

Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other

Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist

Make-Up Artist/Specialist

Institutional Food Workers

Barbering/Barber

Mortuary Science and Embalming/Embalmer

Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other

Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist

Master Aesthetician/Esthetician

Wine Steward/Sommelier

Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor

Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other

Meat Cutting/Meat Cutter

Common questions