Which Culinary Schools are in the San Antonio, TX Area?

If you are hoping to become a culinary professional and looking for degree programs in the field, you will find both certificate and degree options in the San Antonio area. Here learn more about programs offered, prerequisites and costs for schools in the region.

What You Need to Know

You can most commonly locate San Antonio culinary arts programs at the certificate and associate degree levels at 2-year, public community colleges. Some programs also allow you to focus on baking and pastry arts. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete. Course requirements include both traditional lecture courses and hands-on practical opportunities through a campus kitchen or an externship experience. Read below for all you need to know about culinary arts certificate and associate degree programs in San Antonio, TX.

Culinary Arts Certificate Programs in San Antonio, Texas

Culinary Institute of America (CIA)

The Culinary Institute of America was founded in 1946 in New Haven, CT, with the intent of providing training opportunities to veterans returning from World War II. Since then, it's grown to offer a variety of degree programs in the culinary arts, in addition to opening schools in other areas, including San Antonio, TX. The San Antonio campus is situated just north of downtown on the San Antonio River and offers students the opportunity to learn using state-of-the-art equipment. The Latin cuisine certificate program includes courses in flavor development and the foods of Mexico, Brazil, Peru, the Caribbean and Central America.

• Program Name: Certificate of Completion in Latin Cuisine
• Program Length: Two semesters
• Prerequisites: Associate or bachelor's degree or certificate in culinary arts or serious interest in gaining a specialty. Applicants must submit a personal essay about their interest in Latin cuisine and their goals related to the program.
• Tuition and Fees: $32,040 per year (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, private not-for-profit

St. Philip's College

The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts offers multiple options for chefs-in-training who want to upgrade their baking or cooking skills. The department has partnerships with professional associations, state departments and restaurants. Culinary programs are accredited through the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission.

The course of study depends on which field you choose. The culinary arts certificate program covers topics such as food preparation, safety and professionalism. You must complete an out-of-classroom practicum. The baking certificate program includes a course in basic food preparation and advanced topics in baking and pastries.

• Program Name: Certificate of Completion
• Field of Study Options: Culinary studies, baking principles
• Program Length: Three semesters
• Prerequisites: Submit transcripts or GED certificate; take placement exams
• Tuition and Fees: $2,820 for in-district students, $6,300 for Texas residents and $13,830 for non-residents per academic year (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 11,590 (all undergraduate)

Culinary Arts Associate Degrees in San Antonio, Texas

Culinary Institute of America

In the Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts program, required courses cover topics ranging from culinary fundamentals to formal restaurant service. In addition to completing an externship, you can expect to take courses in baking and pastries, cost control and food purchasing, banquet cookery, seafood identification, menu development and wine studies.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts
• Program Length: 21 months
• Prerequisites: All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, submit an essay and college transcripts if available. Applicants must have six months' food service experience.
• Tuition and Fees: $32,040 per year (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, private not-for-profit

St. Philip's College

The associate's degree program in culinary arts includes courses in sanitation and safety, food preparation, nutrition and international cuisine. You must complete a practicum and courses in garde manger, food production management and legal issues in hospitality. The associate's degree program in baking and pastry arts focuses on the creation of pies, tarts, teacakes, cookies, breads and rolls, as well as cake decorating and hospitality operations. Both programs include general education requirements, such as courses in math, psychology or sociology.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science
• Field of Study Options: Culinary arts, baking and pastry arts
• Program Length: Two years
• Prerequisites: Submit transcripts or GED certificate; take placement exams
• Tuition and Fees: $2,820 for in-district students, $6,300 for Texas residents and $13,830 for non-residents per academic year (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 11,590 (all undergraduate)

To sum up what you've learned, in the San Antonio area the Culinary Institute of America and St. Philip's College offer both certificates and associate's degrees in the culinary arts field.