Catering

What is catering?

Catering is the business of providing food and other contracted items related to food to a private or specified public location.

What should I look for in an online catering school?

The best online catering schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online catering schools based on:

• The school's name and status
• The school's history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online catering school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online catering programs are available?

The following levels of catering degree online programs are available:

• Online Catering Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Catering
• Online Bachelor in Catering

How long does it take to get an online catering degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online catering degree depends on the level of catering degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Catering Certification Programs - 6 months to 1 year
• Online Catering Associates Degree - 2 years
• Online Catering Bachelor Degree - 4 years

What are some examples of online catering courses?

Courses from top online catering degree programs concentrate on food preparation, health and nutrition, and communications. Various courses are offered based on the area of specialization, including:

• Commercial Food Preparation

  This advanced course covers food preparation for public consumption, including developing culinary and management skills, mass production for large events, and discussion of planning and preparation of each course.

• Menu Design and Marketing

  In this course students learn the basics of creating affordable menus based on customer specifications and budgetary constraints that still provide a profit. Marketing strategies are also explored.

• Management of Food and Beverage Purchasing

  This course focuses on helping students develop expertise in purchasing beverages and food items in bulk quantities. Students learn purchasing techniques and how to calculate the proper amount of food for the number of people being served.

• Food Safety and Sanitation

  Food safety and sanitation are two of the most important aspects of food preparation and this introductory course starts students off on the right foot. Students learn about sanitation techniques and potential consequences of poor sanitary practices. This course helps prepare students for the national sanitation exam.

• Baking and Pastry

  This introductory baking course increases students' skills in baking common pastries and other baked goods. Students learn proper terminology, use of baking tools, and measurement techniques.

What areas of catering specialization are available?

Specializations in catering revolve around food, food preparation, and management of food businesses, and could include the following:

• Chef de Cuisine
• Sous
• Expediter
• Line Cook
• Event Planning

What can I do with a catering degree?

A catering degree from the best online catering school can provide students with multiple career options in the food industry. Some of the options available may include the following:

• Caterer
• Sous Chef
• Line Cook
• Pastry Chef
• Restaurant Manager
• Head Cook

What is a caterer?

A caterer is specially trained to prepare food and food-related articles for consumption in specialized settings.

What does a caterer do?

A caterer is responsible for preparing a wide variety of foods, including appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, pastries, beverages, and other articles related to a special event or holiday. Caterers or often hired privately to work for individuals in weddings, parties, receptions, reunions, and other gatherings. Caterers can also work with larger corporations to put together meals or snacks for meetings and conventions.

How much does a caterer earn?

A caterer earns an average salary of around $40,890 per year, with an expected growth of about 6% through the year 2018. This projected increase is due to population growth and the increased need for fast or prepared meals to go along with busy lifestyles.

How do I become a caterer?

Individuals who are interested in learning how to become a caterer can begin by researching an accredited online catering degree program for one that suits their needs and interests. Caterers can get by with a certificate or two-year degree, but there is a trend toward four-year degrees with more specialized training. Some larger hotels and restaurants also require their own training programs and experience working in the food industry. There is also a move toward certification for certain specializations, including pastry professionals, personal chefs, and culinary educators, along with a preference in other areas for those with certification.