Online universities create chefs of the future

Training to become a chef can begin at any life stage

Around the world, professional cooks are often regarded as skillful specialists whose creativity and deftness mirror the qualities of an artist. Some chefs approach their dishes with the zeal and discipline that indicate their dedication to a time-honored tradition. This type of cook makes brushstrokes with teaspoons and tablespoons hoping that those who eat the meal will recognize the masterpiece.

Others in the culinary world prefer bright lights and stadium seating over slow and practiced methods. In fact, success at culinary school may be a gateway for some young cooks to appear on national television. For some, online education may be the start.

A team of students from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Phoenix will appear on the Food Network's program Iron Chef America, marking the first appearance by students on the television show.

Chef Eric Watson, the culinary school's director commented that the television appearance presents an "exciting opportunity" for the students to showcase their "discipline and hard work."

The skills needed to become a chef, and perhaps be showcased on national television, can be developed though online degrees in the culinary arts.

Research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the culinary industry will experience one of the largest increases in new jobs until 2016, predicting there will be about 351,000 new jobs over that span.