Start Your Culinary Education at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Tampa!
Home to over 2 million people, Tampa has sunny beaches, great business opportunities, culture, sports, museums, restaurants and one of the top culinary schools in Florida. If you ever thought about going to cooking school in Tampa, you'll want to learn more about The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Tampa.
Something to Think About
Finding the right culinary arts, pastry arts or restaurant management school that meets your needs is the first step to an incredible new career in the food service industry. Whether you want to be a head chef, own your own restaurant or catering business or manage a hotel, it all starts with a strong foundation.
Below is some basic information about The Art Institute, Tampa and its programs, but if you really want to learn more, you can fill out the short questionnaire and someone will contact you to talk about how to apply, time requirements, costs and just about anything else you may need to know.
The International Culinary School
at The Art Institute of Tampa
A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
4401 North Himes Ave.
Tampa, FL 33614
Why Choose The Art Institute of Tampa
The Art Institutes are a group of 33 fine arts colleges across the nation that offer a variety of fine arts programs. The Art Institute of Tampa in Florida, a branch of Miami International University of Art and Design, offers several programs in culinary arts.
The Art Institute of is a career-oriented school, so students are well-prepared for entry level jobs in their career field. The school is, however, academically focused, so students also have a solid theoretical and practical foundation for their careers. You learn in an academic environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking. You also learn by doing, putting what you learn in the classroom into practice in the kitchen. You are encouraged to enter cooking competitions, engage in volunteer activities and attend seminars and workshops; these activities are important in your professional development.
Programs of Study
The Art Institute of Tampa has several culinary arts programs.
Diploma in Baking and Pastry: This program takes four quarters to complete, and you must have two years of industry experience or at least one quarter of culinary school prior to admission. You learn bread and pastry baking, cake decorating and dessert making.
Associate degree in Culinary Arts: This is a broad program that prepares you for entry level positions as prep cook, line cook or garde-manger. You’ll learn culinary techniques, baking and pastry, wine and spirits and kitchen management.
Associate degree in Wine, Beverages and Spirits Management: You’ll learn how to manage beverage services including wine, coffee, tea and spirits. You don’t take any cooking classes in this program, and you must be at least 21 to enroll.
Bachelor degree in Culinary Management: This program can be completed in 36 months. You’ll learn culinary arts and management principles, including kitchen management, human resource management, computer skills, communication and professionalism.
Bachelor degree in Food and Beverage Management: This program prepares you for a management career in the food and beverage industry. You’ll have job opportunities in restaurants, casinos, cruise ships, hotels and any other place that has food and beverage service.
Accreditation
The Art Institute of Tampa is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Facility and Faculty
At the Art Institute, you learn in a professional environment, using professional equipment and tools. You learn from industry experts, many of whom continue to work in some of Tampa’s finest restaurants and hotels.
Financial Aid
Students who desire financial aid should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and contact the Assistant Director of Admissions. The Art Institute offers financial planning for all students, which includes assistance with applying for financial aid and/or developing an affordable payment plan. The Art Institute participates in all Title IV Federal and State student aid programs, including grants, loans and work-study.
Going To School in Tampa City
Tampa is one of the most exciting cities in the world to live in. It’s one of the five most diverse cities in the US, giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The weather is nearly perfect most of the time, and the beautiful white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast are just minutes away.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Tampa. There are world famous restaurants to try, concerts, theater, museums, major league sports, and a sparkling urban nightlife. You’re next door to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo, and only a few hours from Disney World and Sea World.
Tampa is a very affordable city, too. The cost of living is lower than most other areas of the country, and jobs are plentiful. You’ll get some of the best experience possible in externships at Tampa’s restaurants, and you’ll learn while living in a beautiful, exciting, diverse Florida coastal city.
What Do You Need To Know to Get Into Culinary School?
As the Reluctant Gourmet, I have never been to cooking school, but I keep telling myself it's never too late. The best way for you to learn more about becoming a chef is to visit my new Culinary School Resource Center. Here you will find articles, books, school resources and many other useful resources.
Also, try reading as much as you can about going to cooking school and what it is like to be a professional chef. One book I highly recommend to anyone thinking about culinary school is, The Making of A Chef, by Michael Ruhlman. It will really help you understand what you may be getting yourself into. For a complete list of Books For Cooks.
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