University offers online courses in culinary arts

University offers online courses in culinary arts

With the recent popularity of cooking shows on television, celebrity chefs and trendy restaurants, many Americans are considering careers in the culinary arts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that chefs, head cooks and food preparation supervisors held a total of 941,600 jobs during the 2008 fiscal year.

Schools such as Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island offer degree programs that are designed for those who wish to enter the food service industry. The university recently announced that it will add two new degree options, The Providence Journal reports. The school will now offer an online bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts and food service management. Johnson and Wales requires students to complete an advanced food service operations management course in order to prepare for the programs.

Both degree tracks are designed for professionals who hold an associate's degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts and who wish to gain more skills or advance in their current positions.

The BLS reports that top professionals who work in this industry could earn more than $66,680 per year. Job opportunities may be best for individuals with higher levels of education.

By Mark Danson