Online Culinary School Available in Philadelphia

Enrolling in an online culinary program from Philadelphia is simple with Escoffier’s user-friendly online platform. The process takes just about 10 minutes. For a comprehensive overview of the enrollment steps, refer to our guide, “How to Get into Culinary School,” or reach out to our Admissions Department for personalized assistance.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Your location and demographic details
• Emergency contact information
• The program you’re interested in
• Proof of graduation
• A valid driver’s license, passport, or photo ID

After completing your application, you’ll be prompted to submit the $25 application fee. You will then receive an enrollment agreement packet via DocuSign.

Once your application is reviewed, an Admissions Team member will contact you to discuss the next steps. This is also an excellent opportunity to talk with the Student Finance Department about financing options. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify, making education accessible to many students.

See the costs for all programs available to students in Philadelphia. Financial aid is available to those who qualify and apply.

For more information about the financial aid process and to speak with a financial advisor, please reach out to us.

Yes, students in Philadelphia who apply and meet the qualifications can receive financial aid for culinary school.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, most first-time postsecondary students at Escoffier who were eligible received some form of financial assistance. We encourage prospective students to get in touch with our Financial Aid Department to check their eligibility for grants or federally-backed loans.

Escoffier also provides scholarships for eligible online students, such as the Work & Learn Scholarships, the Student Veteran Scholarship, and a variety of merit-based scholarships.

Discover the available scholarships and find out if you qualify.

For students residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and other locations, the online diploma program in Culinary Arts and Operations requires 59 quarter credits and 890 clock hours over 60 weeks. In comparison, the Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts degree requires 90 quarter credits and 1,340 clock hours, also completed over 60 weeks. The actual duration may vary based on any previously completed diploma programs.

For more information on program durations, please see our guide: “How Long Does It Take to Finish Culinary School?”

Please note: The clock hours mentioned are based on the average time required to complete various activities. Individual completion times may vary.

Escoffier is accredited in Philadelphia! Escoffier stands out as one of the few U.S.-accredited institutions offering fully online degrees that incorporate culinary classes and hands-on industry externships.

Our online programs are available through the Boulder campus. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, holds national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

Additionally, the school is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Division of Private Occupational Schools. The Boulder campus is authorized by the CDHE to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This accreditation was attained through rigorous curriculum development and the recruitment of faculty specialized in online education, which is vital for Escoffier’s culinary arts programs. These programs are offered fully online and include in-person industry externships.

No, you don’t need to live in Pennsylvania to enroll in culinary school online at Escoffier. The culinary arts programs at Escoffier are fully online, with the exception of hands-on industry externships. This flexibility allows students to complete their studies and obtain their degrees or diplomas from almost any location worldwide.

For graduates with a culinary arts degree or diploma in Philadelphia, the city’s dynamic culinary landscape presents numerous job opportunities. Here are some possible career paths in Philadelphia:

• Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Philadelphia’s dining scene, particularly in neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square, Old City, and Fishtown, is filled with both innovative and established restaurants. This culinary diversity offers a wide range of job opportunities for graduates, covering various cuisines from classic Philly cheesesteaks and hoagies to contemporary fusion and fine dining.
• Pastry Chefs: Specialty bakeries and patisseries in Philadelphia, especially those focusing on unique and high-quality baked goods, often seek inventive pastry chefs. The city’s thriving bakery scene, known for its artisanal breads and pastries, provides an excellent platform for pastry chefs to showcase their talents.
• Catering and Event Chefs: Philadelphia’s vibrant social, corporate, and cultural event scene offers numerous opportunities for chefs specializing in catering. Roles in this sector typically require skills in menu planning, large-scale food production, and client service, with events frequently held in renowned venues such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
• Food and Beverage Managers in Hotels: As a tourist destination, Philadelphia boasts numerous luxury hotels that require experienced food and beverage directors to manage their dining establishments . These roles often involve overseeing hotel restaurants, bars, and room service operations.

To discover more culinary job opportunities that could be available to you, check out our article, “13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.”

Pursuing a career as a chef in Philadelphia typically involves combining a solid culinary education with practical experience. Here are some key steps to help you establish yourself in this field.

Culinary Education: The online culinary arts program at Escoffier offers a comprehensive education in culinary techniques and kitchen management, enabling you to learn essential skills and pursue your education remotely. This program also includes an in-person industry externship, providing invaluable practical experience for an aspiring chef.

Gain Local Experience: Enhance your online learning by working in Philadelphia’s exciting culinary scene. The city boasts a diverse range of dining establishments, from trendy cafes to upscale restaurants. Externships in these environments can help you apply the skills you’ve learned in your courses.

Start with Entry-Level Positions: Begin your career by working as a line cook or prep cook in Philadelphia’s restaurants. These entry-level roles are vital for honing your basic skills and understanding the fast-paced nature of professional kitchens.

Network in Philadelphia: Networking is crucial for career advancement. Engage with Philadelphia’s culinary community by attending local food festivals, culinary competitions, and events for foodies and aspiring chefs. Joining professional organizations, such as the American Culinary Federation’s Philadelphia chapter, can connect you with experienced chefs and restaurateurs.

Combining online education with practical experience in Philadelphia can set you up for a successful culinary career. For a detailed guide on how to pursue this path, check out our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

The median salary for a culinary chef in Philadelphia is approximately $63,450 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Choosing between Escoffier’s Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts involves considering several factors. Neither program guarantees a higher salary in Philadelphia’s culinary market. Instead, the right choice will depend on your specific career goals, the depth of education you prefer, and the culinary skills you wish to acquire.

Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations: This program emphasizes the core skills required for working in a professional kitchen, teaching fundamental cooking techniques and basic professional skills. It typically takes less time to complete compared to an associate degree, making it a great option for those looking to quickly enter the workforce and start gaining hands-on experience.

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts Degree: This degree offers a comprehensive education that includes both culinary skills and a broader understanding of culinary arts management. It covers a wide range of topics, such as advanced culinary techniques, restaurant operations, foodservice accounting, and business communications. This program is particularly advantageous for those aiming for their highest possible professional level or planning to start their own culinary business.

Both programs provide essential education and training for culinary careers. Earning a well-paying chef position also involves leveraging Philadelphia’s culinary networking opportunities, staying motivated, and applying your skills practically. Whether you choose a diploma or a degree, gaining experience through externships and ongoing professional development is crucial to building your career as a chef.

Yes, culinary school online at Escoffier can provide job search assistance to students in Philadelphia upon graduation. The Career Services team offers coaching and resources to help students reach their career goals and connect with employers aligned with their professional aspirations.

At Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, every student has access to Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to benefit from this assistance even after graduation.

Niche has ranked Escoffier among the top culinary arts colleges in the United States, making it an excellent choice for those living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our school is recognized for its experienced Chef Instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and focus on sustainability and farm-to-table practices. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, from fundamental cooking techniques and foodservice management to business skills and diverse culinary concepts.

Additionally, our programs include practical industry externships, providing essential hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting.

Beyond our online culinary programs, Escoffier offers online courses in Baking and Pastry Arts, Food Entrepreneurship, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness, and Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management.

For those considering a culinary arts career in Philadelphia, enrolling in culinary school online at Escoffier can be a great choice.

To learn more about what makes our school unique, read our article on what you need to know about culinary school at Escoffier.