Chef

What is a chef?

A chef is an individual who cooks and prepares food for other people.

What should I look for in an online chef school?

The best online chef 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 chef schools based on:

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

In choosing the best online chef 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 chef programs are available?

The following levels of chef degree online programs are available:

• Online Chef Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Chef Studies
• Online Bachelor in Chef Studies

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

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

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

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

What are some examples of online chef courses?

Chef courses from top online chef degree programs concentrate on food preparation, menu planning, food safety, and budgeting. Some courses students might find could include the following:

• Basic Food Preparation

  This course covers the fundamentals of food preparation, including cooking techniques, food handling, heat transfer, sanitation, safety, nutrition, and professionalism. There is a lab component to this course that provides students with practical experience.

• Principles of Healthy Cuisine

  In this introductory course students learn the basics of planning, preparation, and nutritional balance by practicing basic cooking techniques designed to lower fat and calorie content in prepared meals.

• Garden Manger

  This advanced course explores specialty foods and garnishes, with an emphasis on food design, techniques and display. Foods covered in this course include salads, appetizers, cold sauces, and cold buffet items.

• 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.

• Advanced Food Preparation

  Students in this advanced level course explore meat, poultry, and seafood handling and preparation as they work with canapés, hors d'oeuvres, and breakfast menu items.

What areas of chef specialization are available?

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

• Chef de Cuisine
• Sous
• Expediter
• Line Cook
• Catering

What can I do with a chef degree?

A chef degree from the best online chef school prepares students to enter into various professional roles in culinary fields. Graduates can work in high-end restaurants or hotels, or can begin their own business in areas such as the following:

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

What is a chef?

A chef is a culinary professional who designs dishes and entire menus, and oversees a kitchen.

What does a chef do?

A chef is responsible for the overall function of a professional kitchen. The chef takes care of daily chores, directs junior cooks, plans menus, and directs shopping and budgeting for the right number of guests. Chefs provide the guidelines for other cooks as they go about their preparation and serving tasks.

How much does a chef earn?

A chef earns an average salary of around $36,700 per year. Job growth is expected at about 6% through the year 2018. This minimal projected growth is due to current economic conditions that inhibit economic development.

How do I become a chef?

Individuals interested in learning how to become a chef can begin by researching an accredited online chef degree program that suits their needs and interests. Certification is necessary for certain specializations, including pastry professionals, personal chefs, and culinary educators, and is desired for other positions. Larger hotel and restaurant chains have their own training programs and are not as likely to require certification. Experience in commercial food preparation is always helpful, along with a willingness to work long hours while standing.