How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Culinary Arts Degree?

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Time is nobody’s friend, and its scarcity may seem like the biggest obstacle between you and your dreams. But there are ways to pursue those goals that may be less time-intensive than you think. A culinary education from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts may be one prime example.

While many associate degree programs take two full years of study or longer, the programs at Escoffier are tailored to help get students out into the workforce as quickly as possible—while providing them with the professional cooking skills they may need to be successful.

You could get your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Culinary Arts through our Austin, TX campus or your Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Culinary Arts from our Boulder, CO campus or through our online program.

The time required for each degree varies, so for simplicity, this article covers the time required to get your degree online. Before you know it, you may be on your way to the career you’ve always wanted.

How Much Time Per Week Can Online Students Commit to School?

There are always variations in a student’s educational time requirements, depending on how quickly they read or chop. So remember that these numbers are estimates!

Online students dedicate time to watch demonstration videos and practice their skills from home.

Online students pursuing a degree need to plan their schedule to allow for coursework and cleanup time (about 15-23 hours per week). This includes assigned readings, watching demonstration videos, attending live instruction sessions with Chef Instructors (or watching replays if they are unable to attend live), and completing weekly assignments. A big benefit of the online program is that you can fit all of these activities into your busy schedule! (This time estimate can vary based on the program, credential, and an individual’s pace of study.)

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“When I first started school, I was pulling 80-100 hour weeks as an executive chef in the Hill Country, and [Escoffier’s online program] actually worked within my schedule.”*

Lance McWhorter

Chef/Owner of Culture ETX, Food Network “Chopped” Contestant, and Online Culinary Arts Graduate

How Long Is an Online Culinary Arts Degree Program?

Because Escoffier is an accredited institution, we have to be very specific with how we describe the details of our programs. This transparency is to protect you, as a prospective student, so that you know exactly how our programs work and can make the best decision for your specific situation.

Since the online program is available through our Boulder location, here’s how we specifically describe our Culinary Arts distance learning program in our Boulder Student Programs Catalog (page 21):

They may also study Culinary Arts and Patisserie, where they build upon Culinary Foundations with breakfast cookery, cakes, breads, charcuterie, and garde-manger. Students may explore worldwide culinary traditions in World or Regional Cuisines and examine management techniques and budgeting in Restaurant Operations.

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“I went from washing dishes and cleaning a commercial kitchen to managing my own within a two-year span. Escoffier has given me the culinary and business tools, resources, knowledge and self-confidence I need in order to make my dream a reality!”*

Mitchell Rodriguez

Sous Chef, Holiday Retirement & Online Culinary Arts Graduate

One of the most popular courses is the six-week Farm to Table® Experience which brings residential students to a working farm or food maker. Students help the farmer or artisan and look at the relationship between food producers and chefs. Online students can choose to attend one of the non-credit Farm to Table® Immersion events in person. These events may include observations in cheese making, composting and preserving, or planting and harvesting.

Culinary students at Escoffier have the opportunity for hands-on learning during the Farm to Table® Experience.

All associate degrees require students to complete some general education coursework in addition to hands-on training and cooking classes. At Escoffier, these include courses in professional communications, world history, nutritional science, technical writing, and foodservice math. All of these general education courses are designed to teach the concepts from the culinary perspective.

Putting It Together — The Externship

After the practical and classroom coursework, students will move into the first of two six-week culinary externships. These externships are an opportunity for students to gain experience cooking professionally. Some Escoffier externships are paid, so students get the chance to make an income while they continue to learn!

Between hands-on coursework, general education classes, and two six-week externships, what is the total length of a culinary arts degree? Just 60 academic weeks…That’s right, just 60 weeks to get an online associate degree at Escoffier.

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“The externship class allows students–even those with no prior experience–to get their foot in the door. Once they gain that valuable experience, it is easier for them to determine which path they want to take with their careers.”*

Vicki Berger

Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management Instructor

Culinary Arts Diplomas Require Fewer Credit Hours

Not all students interested in culinary arts want a degree. And some would prefer to focus solely on food and foodservice, rather than study additional topics.

For these students, a culinary arts diploma may be a better choice.

Online programs can offer students the flexibility they need in their schedule as they attend courses and complete assignments from home.

The online diploma program also takes 60 weeks to complete, but it requires fewer quarter credits and clock hours. Students can typically earn this diploma by dedicating about 15-23 hours/week to their studies. (This time estimate can vary based on the program, credential, and individual’s pace of study.) So it may be even easier for diploma students to fit their schooling into their lives and schedules.

60 Weeks to a Culinary Degree Online

When people think of higher education, they often think of a several-year commitment. But in just 60 academic weeks, you can have an online associate degree or diploma in Culinary Arts from Escoffier.

Compare that to most associate degree programs that typically take two full years to complete. But it may sometimes take a bit longer if students work on their degree part-time…and also because required courses may not be available until future semesters.

Now, there’s a faster path to an associate degree in the culinary arts. And a degree can set you apart in the food business. Graduates show a commitment to a future in the culinary industry and can prove to potential employers that they know the basics.

A degree or diploma could kickstart your career and may help you progress through the ranks of the kitchen more quickly. With flexible programs, studying the culinary arts online at Escoffier could quickly get you one step closer to your goals.

Learn more about a degree in Culinary Arts with our online resources, or contact us for more information.

*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.

INTERESTED IN READING MORE ABOUT CULINARY EDUCATION? TRY THESE ARTICLES NEXT:

• College Not For You? Try Culinary School.
• What to Look for in a Culinary School Curriculum
• Escoffier 101: Everything You Need to Know About Culinary School

This article was originally published on January 22, 2021, and has been updated.