When starting a culinary arts career in Charleston, South Carolina, residents are expected to tap into their creative side and love for cooking. However, one major area that can also determine success in this field is business proficiency.
Individuals are expected to look to training programs to develop incredible technical and business skills that will help facilitate rapid career growth. This page’s guide aims to nudge interested individuals in the right direction by providing a list of the top programs in and around the city.
We also concisely but richly examine the requirements for launching a culinary arts career in Charleston, South Carolina.
How to Become a Chef in Charleston
A love of cooking is important for starting a career as a chef in Charleston. Candidates must secure admission into a training program and acquire both classroom and practical education during their schooling.
When they graduate, it is common for them to spend more time receiving training “on the job” before working in various assisting positions and ultimately taking control of a kitchen.
Chefs in Charleston are also considering starting their own restaurants or catering services. Depending on the specific business they plan to run, they will likely need state and city permits.
Lastly, it is common for culinary artists and chefs to consider certification from the American Culinary Federation for career benefits. This step, though, is not mandatory.
Top Culinary Arts Schools in Charleston, South Carolina
The following culinary arts programs are known to be the best for interested individuals in Charleston, South Carolina.
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC Campus Only
Trident Technical College offers multiple culinary arts training programs through the Culinary Institute of Charleston. The programs include tracks in Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism. For those who would like to focus on only Culinary Arts, the school has several tracks in this regard, including a Baking and Pastry Arts associate degree program, an associate degree in Culinary Arts Technology program, a Certificate in Advanced Culinary Arts program, and a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts program.
Tuition
$188 - $222 per CreditContact
(843) 574-6111
admissions@tridenttech.edu
Spartanburg Community College
Spartanburg, SC Campus Only
At Spartanburg Community College, applicants from all over the state enroll in culinary arts programs to launch their chef careers on a strong footing. The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission accredits the programs here.
Tuition
$204 - $415 per CreditContact
(864) 592-4836
culinary@sccsc.edu
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC Campus Only
Greenville Technical College is home to the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, where candidates can participate in an excellent Culinary Arts training program accredited by the American Culinary Federation’s Education Foundation. Students can expect to develop an array of skills, from baking science and sanitation laws to business skills, menu preparation, written and oral communication, and customer service.
Tuition
$323 - $543 per CreditContact
(864) 250-3675
Kristen.Grissom@gvltec.edu
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Beaufort, SC Campus + Online
Technical College of the Lowcountry is another excellent destination to study as a prospective chef in South Carolina. The curriculum here is very comprehensive and includes several sessions dedicated to hands-on education.
Tuition
$222 - $462 per CreditContact
(843) 305-8575
culinary@tcl.edu
Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC Campus Only
Future chefs in South Carolina who would like to start their careers primarily with hands-on education may consider the Culinary Arts Associate of Science program at Bob Jones University. A Christian University, this program prepares candidates for an array of positions, including employment in commercial kitchens.
Tuition
$500 - $1,000 per CreditContact
(864) 242-5100
rhansen@bju.edu
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: