Start Your Culinary Education at The International Culinary School
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The Art Institute of California – Sacramento

An award-winning city, Sacramento, CA has recently been named one of the five "most livable" regions in America, in addition to being one of America's most integrated cities. Located in the heart of Sacramento, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California is known for providing hands-on and innovative culinary arts education and training.
If you have been thinking about attending culinary arts school, you are most likely asking yourself questions like how much is it going to cost, how long will it take to graduate, how & where do I apply and is financial aid available?
Below is some basic information about The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California - Sacramento's Culinary Program. It should help you decide if this is a school to consider. If it does make your list of possible choices, I suggest you fill out the short questionnaire and a representative from the school will contact you to answer all your questions in detail, fill you in on costs and financial aid and explain the next steps to apply.
The Art Institute of California - Sacramento
2850 Gateway Oaks Drive
Suite #100
Sacramento, CA 95833
About the Art Institute of California - Sacramento
The Art Institute of California considers the culinary arts as one of many fields in which creativity and forward-thinking can combine to power a successful career. The school prides itself on using both working professionals and trained educators to create a learning environment catered to the real world.
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, which is considered the paramount professional chefs' organization in North America. This accreditation is just part of the Art Institute’s mission of providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen art- and design-related career paths.
There are several degree programs offered through the International Culinary School, including Diploma programs in Baking & Pastry and Art of Cooking, an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management.
Programs of Study
Culinary Arts - Associate of Science
The Culinary Arts AS degree emphasizes both classical and modern training. It lasts a total of 112 quarter-credits, 84 of which take place in culinary-specific courses. It covers a wide variety of culinary skills, including basic techniques, purchasing and inventory, management, international cuisine, dining room service, and baking and pastry making. It is rounded off with an externship done in partnership with one of the affiliated restaurants or commercial kitchens in the area.
Culinary Management - Bachelor of Science
The Culinary Management program at The Art Institute of California - Sacramento is a Bachelor of Science curriculum. This degree program focuses on culinary skills related to running or managing a business. The Culinary Management degree includes courses on communication, leadership, human resources, marketing, food safety, and technology. The course includes a hands-on externship; otherwise, all instruction is provided in the classroom.
Baking and Pastry - Diploma
The Baking and Pastry program is a 49 quarter-credit course that focuses on the skills necessary for working in a bakery. Coursework includes making breads, desserts, and cakes. This diploma program includes training in ServSafe sanitation and safety as well as job seeking skills. A hands-on training program graduates of the Baking and Pastry Diploma curriculum are equipped with the skills needed in order to pursue entry-level employment in the culinary arts.
Art of Cooking - Diploma
Available at The Art Institute of California - Sacramento as a Diploma program, the Art of Cooking curriculum is a 51 quarter-credits course in basic kitchen skills and food science. This diploma program includes training in ServSafe sanitation and safety as well as job seeking skills. Upon graduation, students are armed with the necessary knowledge in order to apply for entry-level positions in a variety of culinary arts settings.
Accreditation
The Art Institute of California is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, granting it the authority to award both Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees. It is also approved by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education in California.
Faculty
Faculty members at the International Culinary School are chosen for their experience in the culinary field. Because they are professionals with real work experience, they are able to bring more than just lecture and theory to the classroom. These same faculty members and professionals in the local industry periodically review the curriculum to ensure that students remain on the cutting edge of training and technology. Because post-graduation employment is the ultimate goal, the Art Institute prides itself on changing along with the current culinary market.
Facilities
Located at 2850 Gateway Oaks Drive (Suite 100), the Sacramento campus of The International Culinary School is equipped with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. Modern techniques are taught alongside classical styles, and students are encouraged to explore their own unique methods. To increase the potential for hire after graduation, many skills focus on real-world skills.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify for federal or state assistance. The school employs several financial representatives to answer student questions or concerns on applying for loans and grants. Scholarship options can also be considered through this office.
Going to School in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is the capitol city of California. One of the oldest cities in California, Sacrament is also one of the most livable cities in America, with a beautiful climate and lovely geography. It is important historically for its role in the California gold rush, as Sacramento was just downstream from the “Mother Lode.”
A city with numerous identities, Sacramento is known as the "City of Trees," "River City," "The Almond Capitol of the World," "Sac-Town," and the "The Big Tomato," to name a few. While it might have multiple nicknames, one this about Sacramento is consistent, as the weather in Sacramento is beautiful and the climate is mild.
Close to the ocean and mountains, the rivers of Sacramento and nearby Lake Tahoe provide plenty of opportunity for water sports and outdoor recreation. There are cultural activities, professional and semi-professional sports, museums, historic downtown and many other activities.
Sacramento is the most integrated and diverse city in the nation. It is a wonderful place to live, work and learn. Prospective culinary arts students will love living and going to school in Sacramento, CA!
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.


