Master of Professional Studies in Food Business

In this renowned business program, you’ll hone the skills you need to successfully assess market opportunities, pitch investors and senior executives, and spearhead the next food movement. Unlike general MBA programs, our Master’s in Food Business program combines decades of thought leadership in sustainability, innovation, wellness, and food ethics with traditional business topics such as leadership, finance, human resources, product development, and marketing. 

Why Culinary Institute of America?

Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees with majors in Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, Culinary Science, Culinary Therapeutics, Food Business, Food Studies and Sustainability, Hospitality Management, and Wine and Beverage Management. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 55,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. 

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or hold an international equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. If your first language is not English, you must complete an English proficiency examination. 

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Food Business gives students the knowledge, skill set, and tools to launch their own food businesses, lead innovations within a company, and more. The program offers advanced, food industry-specific learning to assess market opportunity, become a next-level leader, and prepare for what’s coming in the food world. Students will be mentored by experts from the food, beverage, and hospitality world along with CIA faculty. In addition to the online courses, the curriculum includes short residencies at both the CIA at Copia in Napa, CA and at the main campus in Hyde Park, NY, where students have the opportunity to network with industry leaders at one of the college’s thought leadership conferences.  

What You'll Learn

Career Outcomes

• Entrepreneurs launching or expanding a food business
• Food-product developers
• Consultants for food, beverage, and hospitality companies
• Executive chefs, food and beverage directors, or regional managers in contract foodservice, hotels, and restaurant groups
• Vice presidents, directors, and chefs in self-operated dining
• R&D specialists and brand managers in consumer-packaged goods companies
• Menu developers for multi-unit and meal kit companies
• Leaders who drive innovation and organizational change in large food, beverage, or hospitality companies