Start Your Culinary Education at The International Culinary School
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The Art Institute of California – San Francisco
Known as "The City that Knows How," San Francisco is home to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and cable cars, to name a few of its attractions. Located in the heart of this progressive city, The Art Institute of California's San Francisco campus offers prospective culinary students several degree options.
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 - San Francisco'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 International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California - San Francisco
1170 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
About the Art Institute of California - San Francisco
If you thinking of going to culinary school somewhere that will stimulate your senses and enhance your creativity, then look no further than The Art Institute of California - San Francisco. Located in one of the most progressive and creative learning environments in the United States, AI - San Francisco is an ideal place to begin your culinary arts training.
The Art Institute of California - San Francisco is committed to your success by offering lots of hands-on experience, programs that will matter in your career, top chef instructors who will give you the training you need to become part of the food service industry.
There are several degree programs offered through the International Culinary School, including those in Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, and Wine, Sprits & Beverage Management.
Programs of Study
Culinary Arts - Associate of Science
A hands-on training program, the AS in Culinary Arts program is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed in order to seek employment in a variety of culinary settings. In addition to training that focuses on basic culinary skills to advanced culinary methods and theories, this curriculum culminates in two externships. Taking place in a local restaurant, hotel, or club, these externships are just another example to the career based education that The International Culinary School is known for.
Wine, Spirits & Beverage Management - Associate of Science
An Associate of Science degree program, the Wine, Spirits & Beverage Management curriculum at AI - San Francisco is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level employment as a bar manager, wine buyer, winery tasting room manager, beverage consultant, or a sales representative for a beverage wholesaler.
In addition to learning about basic culinary and management concepts, students of the Wine, Spirits & Beverage Management program will learn about bar operation, inventory, purchasing, food and wine pairings, and catering/event management. Coursework also includes instruction in non-alcholic beverages, and other aspects of managing the beverage-side of a food industry related business.
Culinary Management - Bachelor of Science
The Culinary Management program at The Art Institute of California 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.
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, and has additional accreditation from the American Culinary Federation.
Faculty
The faculty members at AI - San Francisco are chosen for their experience in some of the best kitchens and restaurants around the country. The chef-instructors bring years of kitchen and managerial skills to the table, combining a love of food with personalized training. Their experience includes running local restaurants, work with some of the most renowned restaurants in the country, and even years of international training.
Facilities
Each student of the International Culinary School has access to 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
The school fully accepts financial aid through the federal and state FAFSA programs. Scholarships and private loans may also apply. Students who need more information on applying for aid or finding funding for school have access to the Financial Aid Department at any time.
Going to School in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a city based on innovation, planned development, community service, and family values. In addition to these core principals, San Francisco is also known as a diverse and eclectic place to live. As such it is no surprise that San Francisco has become the economic heart of the region.
San Francisco is located just 35 miles east of Los Angeles, and is widely considered as the inland region’s population and job growth center. Leading the way in the sectors of logistics and high technology , San Francisco is fast becoming Southern California's next urban center.
With it's urban housing and lifestyle, and it's high quality office development, San Francisco is attracting the attention of many large professional firms. In addition, the city is home to a healthy arts community, which bodes will for the creative culinary arts student.
While home to a pro-business environment with a highly skilled work force, San Francisco also features reasonable lease rates, superior transportation, and historic districts which offer street after tree-lined street of historic Craftsman Bungalow, Period Revival, Victorian, Mission and Ranch style homes.
San Francisco offers prospective culinary students a quality of life that can't be beat!
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.
