Culinary Arts Schools in Des Moines, Iowa

A comprehensive education is important for entering the culinary arts discipline as an individual in Des Moines, Iowa. It is also essential for surviving on the job and taking advantage of career advancement opportunities. Candidates who are about to enter a program must ensure that they meet the requirements for admission.

This is one of the reasons why, in the list below, we don’t just analyze the curriculum structure of each program but also provide additional helpful information like their tuition costs and admission requirements. Readers will also find out what to expect when they secure admission, when it comes to kitchen/laboratory work and hands-on training.

Firstly, though, here is a quick analysis of how to enter the culinary arts discipline as a Des Moines resident.

How to Become a Chef in Des Moines

The majority of training programs for chefs in Des Moines will allow candidates to begin their education without any prerequisites. Some may ask for a high school diploma or GED.

After completing their training curriculum, candidates may graduate with a certificate or an associate degree, depending on how many credit hours they have completed. They may then go on to acquire more skills in an actual work environment through an internship or apprenticeship.

Subsequently, properly trained chefs can start working in Des Moines without a state or city license. However, they will need a food handler’s license to demonstrate safety proficiency.

Top Culinary Arts Schools in Des Moines, Iowa

The following are some of the top-rated culinary arts institutions in Des Moines, Iowa.

#Iowa

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA Campus Only

Des Moines Area Community College has a culinary arm known as the Iowa Culinary Institute, which is one of the best in the area. Students interested in pursuing culinary positions in hotels, institutions, restaurants, and clubs may come here to study the classroom and theoretical principles necessary to secure employment.

Tuition

$193 per Credit

Contact

(800) 362-2127
dmapathway@dmacc.edu

#Iowa

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Clinton, IA Campus Only

At Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, aspiring chefs from anywhere in Iowa can apply for an associate degree in applied science. The school also offers a diploma and a certificate program in culinary arts.

Tuition

$202 - $269 per Credit

Contact

(888) 336-3907
eiccinfo@eicc.edu

#Iowa

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA Campus Only

Kirkwood Community College is notable for its culinary arts training program, which is designed to educate and prepare future leaders of the culinary profession. The program analyzes not only technical topics that candidates utilize in the kitchen but also management topics that will allow students to take on leadership positions and direct the entire affairs of a kitchen.

Tuition

$217 - $400 per Credit

Contact

(319) 848-8770
hospitalityarts@kirkwood.edu

#Iowa

Iowa Central

Fort Dodge, IA Campus Only

Iowa Central has a Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. This program is notable for combining components of food preparation with the science of the profession and food service management.

Tuition

$229 - $324 per Credit

Contact

(515) 574-1014
cleary_j@iowacentral.edu

#Iowa

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA Campus Only

Lastly, prospective chefs in Des Moines and the entire state of Iowa may also consider Western Iowa Tech Community College for a culinary arts associate of applied science degree program that contains 64 credits.