Orange County Culinary Arts School at The Art Institute of California - Orange County
Become a Professional Chef in Orange County, CA!
The Art Institute provides education and training in design, media arts, fashion, and the culinary arts around the United States. The International Culinary School courses – including the one offered through the Orange County campus – are offered in 30 of the Art Institutes' 40 locations, making it the largest chain of culinary schools in the country. Centrally located in Southern California, the atmosphere is conducive to learning and having fun doing it.
Attending culinary arts school is a great step forward in your career, and you've probably got some questions. Is there scholarship money available? How long will it take? Where do I start? Let us help you fill in the blanks to any questions you might have.
If you are interested in attending cooking school at the Art Institute of California - Orange County , we recommend you look at the information below and see if this school is the right fit. If it is, click on the "Request Free School Info" button, fill out the short questionnaire and a representative from the school will contact you to answer any additional questions about the school, costs, financial aid and how to apply.
The Art Institute of California - Orange County
3601 West Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
About the Art Institute of California - Orange County
The Art Institute has been in existence for over 35 years. As an educational institution, it thrives on providing students with a place to capture their creativity and transform it into a life-long career. They offer a variety of diplomas and degrees, including both Associate of Science and Bachelor Degrees in most of their fields.
The school's mission is to provide educational programs to best prepare students for landing entry-level jobs. This is accomplished by combining academics with critical thinking skills, job-related learning, and effective teamwork. In fact, one of the guiding principles behind the Art Institute is its commitment to working with national and local employers to deliver industry-standard skills and job training.
All International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes provide a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses international cuisine and techniques.The International Culinary School in Orange County offers four culinary degrees: an Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts, a Bachelor Degree in Culinary Management, a Diploma in the Art of Cooking, and a Diploma in Baking and Pastry.
About the Culinary Arts Program
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.
About the Culinary Management Program
The Culinary Management BS degree focuses more on culinary skills related to running or managing a business. It 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.
About the Diploma Programs (Art of Cooking, Baking and Pastry)
The two diplomas offered through the International Culinary School are the Art of Cooking and Baking and Pastry. The Art of Cooking program offers 51 quarter-credits in basic kitchen skills and food science. The Baking and Pastry program is a 49 quarter-credit course that focuses on the skills necessary for working in a bakery, including making breads, desserts, and cakes. Both diploma programs include training in ServSafe sanitation and safety as well as job seeking skills. Graduates are typically ready to work in entry-level food service positions.
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.
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.
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
A student-run restaurant, 50 Forks, opened at this location in August of 2003. It is operated by culinary students and open to the public. It allows students to demonstrate their developing skills and apply their culinary prowess in a real-world setting. Participation in this kitchen is required for graduation in the Culinary Arts degree programs.
In addition to the restaurant facilities, students have access to two state-of-the-art kitchen laboratories and one baking and pastry kitchen. Although they are designed to promote the educational experience, they are equipped with the latest commercial technologies found in the food service industry. The Art Institute itself also boasts a student library and a Student Success Center complete with a computer lab.
Going to School in Orange County, CA
Orange County’s Mediterranean climate, dynamic job growth, higher education, and opportunities for arts and recreation bring tourists and new residents from across the country and around the world.
Here you can explore attractions that range from Spanish missions to the internationally known amusement park, Disneyland. Within easy reach are desert and mountain recreation areas, as well as cosmopolitan Los Angeles and Orange County.
Few other metropolitan areas compare to Orange County. It stands out as a thriving, exciting, desirable area in which to live, learn and work. With a near perfect rating in the job growth forecast it is no wonder Orange County has consistently landed among the top 25 most livable areas since 1981.
As a part of the culinary hub that is Southern California, there are countless opportunities to sample the amazing restaurants in the area as well as find externship and job opportunities. Located on the coastline, it also boasts incredible weather and the perfect beaches to make the most out of it.
More Information
If you are interested in any of these programs and would like to find out more, please request information from The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles.
Find a Culinary or Hotel Management College in Another Location
Orange County, CA Culinary Arts School - The Art Institute of California - Orange County
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