The culinary arts include all activities related to preparing, cooking, presenting, and serving food. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, culinary arts cover a wide spectrum of disciplines.
All of these professionals have an extensive understanding of ingredient quality, seasoning and styling, texturing, and color presentation. The following article explores the prominent training programs individuals in Philadelphia may attend to gain comprehensive knowledge in these disciplines.
We break down these institutions’ specific programs and explain why they are among the best in the city. We also analyzed the general steps involved in starting a culinary arts career in Philadelphia.
How to Become a Chef in Philadelphia
Residents of Philadelphia become professional chefs by first attending a training program and then receiving a food handler license. However, to enter into a training program, a high school diploma or GED is often necessary.
Furthermore, after completing an accredited program, candidates typically choose to become certified by an organization like the American Culinary Foundation. This will allow them to enjoy a higher level of credibility that brings about more professional opportunities.
Top Culinary Arts Schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Students in Philadelphia may attend any of the institutions below for comprehensive culinary arts programs.
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA Campus Only
Community College of Philadelphia is one of the most prominent technical institutions in Pennsylvania. The school provides an excellent foundation for candidates to enter into culinary arts through a well-rounded program that can be completed in 2 years.
Tuition
$159 - $477 per CreditContact
(215) 751-8010
advising@ccp.edu
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Philadelphia, PA Campus + Online
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts is one of the best places to study culinary arts in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. The school's training program for individuals in this discipline has been in existence for decades and has produced several successful students both at home and abroad.
Tuition
$14,500 - $29,000 per ProgramContact
(215) 468-8800
admissions@culinaryarts.edu
Walnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA Campus Only
Prospective culinary artists can start their careers with a bachelor's degree in culinary arts at Walnut Hill College. This program is longer than the conventional associate degree and certificate programs that candidates are used to, but it will help them develop a more robust understanding of the profession.
Tuition
$8,258 per TermContact
(215) 222-4200
info@walnuthillcollege.edu
Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts - YTI Career Institute
Lancaster, PA Campus + Online
Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts, a division of YTI Career Institute, offers a culinary arts training program that allows candidates to develop kitchen skills and administrative capabilities. The program also emphasizes professional development skills that will serve candidates for the rest of their careers.
Tuition
$36,220 per ProgramContact
(800) 795-0971
besocial@yti.edu
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA Campus Only
The baking and culinary arts program offered by Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Business, Arts, and Sciences is another excellent way to start a strong culinary arts career anywhere in Pennsylvania. The program boasts an expert faculty along with small class sizes for optimal personalized attention.
Tuition
$608 - $866 per CreditContact
(570) 327-4761
admissions@pct.edu
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Punxsutawney, PA Campus Only
Indiana University of Pennsylvania has a culinary arts academy where candidates can participate in an array of culinary arts programs. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, with participants working side by side with established professionals in the kitchen.
Tuition
$7,848 per SemesterContact
(814) 938-8400
culinary-arts@iup.edu
Northampton Community College
Bethlehem, PA Campus Only
Lastly, Northampton Community College provides an excellent culinary arts program for residents of Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. The school allows candidates to choose between an associate in applied science degree in culinary arts program and a specialized diploma in culinary arts program.
Tuition
$125 - $375 per YearContact
(610) 861-5300
careers@northampton.edu
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: