Master of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts

Program Details

Cost $4,740 per course

Next Start Date September 8, 2026

Degree Master

Format Online

Duration 2 years

Credit Hours 36 credits

Program Guide Download

Full Program Details

What will the future of gastronomy look like? How do we assure that the inspired dining experiences of the future continue to be even more innovative, imaginative, and sustainable? What are the emerging trends in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global economic shifts that create new challenges—and new opportunities—for the restaurant industry? If these questions excite and inspire you, CIA School of Graduate and Professional Studies wants you for its newest graduate program—Master’s in Culinary Arts.

This first-of-its kind master’s program—the pinnacle of culinary education—will prepare the next generation of talent to set a new standard in inspired dining and culinary excellence.

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. Prior culinary training and experience is required for this program. If you have formal culinary training as part of your undergraduate degree, we recommend at least six months of experience in fine-dining or high-level establishments. If your undergraduate studies did not include culinary training, we recommend at least two years of fine-dining or high-level experience. At this time, because of the internship requirement, we are only able to admit United States citizens and permanent residents. Must be able to relocate to one of the paid internship locations in California, New York City, or Virginia.

Curriculum

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Culinary Arts is envisioned to not only provide students with the professional skills to be successful in operating their own business endeavor at a high level, but also the refinement of their culinary skills through two immersive, year-long restaurant internships. The combination of academic courses in culinary arts, history, design, and business, along with the in-kitchen internships, is expected to elevate students’ skills much as a traditional residency in a medical teaching hospital does for prospective doctors. Working beside leading chefs and their staffs at the nation’s top restaurants, students will learn first-hand how the leading culinary businesses succeed and thrive. A final capstone presentation during their third residency will provide an opportunity for these students to display the talents and techniques that have been refined and elevated through their course of study.

The professional internship experience, combined with academic offerings in their online business and culinary arts courses, will ultimately provide the graduating student with the tools to advance their culinary career aspirations to a higher level. We believe that this MPS in Culinary Arts will also help produce the next generation of culinary leaders who, one day, will help educate their successors, thus contributing to the profession and virtuously reifying the CIA’s mission.

What You'll Learn

• Discern best practices in the culinary and service arts and to develop and prepare award worthy dining experiences.

• Develop and apply innovative strategies that support and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

• Generate and design a professional portfolio of work demonstrating mastery of the culinary arts.

• Analyze and assess the historical value and contributions of various cuisines to the growth of the culinary profession and hospitality industry.

• Evaluate key restaurant operating principles to plan and develop a model for a successful business enterprise.

• Design and propose food and beverage synergies that enhance the dining experience.

• Critically evaluate and apply effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills in a restaurant enterprise.