News

University of California launches culinary arts program

August 15, 2018

Today, a culinary career can be a ticket to fame for the right personalities and that's, in part, why an increasing number of well-regarded schools are initiating or expanding programs to prepare chefs and administrators for a foodservice career. The latest is the University of California-Irvine, which said this week it's launching a hybrid Culinary Arts program in a partnership with online culinary school, Rouxbe, for an online and on-ground culinary arts training program.  

The coursework is designed to provide a wide range of students with the specialized education to get a start in the restaurant business, whether that be as a career change, career advancement or professional development, a news release said. 

The UCI program combines the online learning platform with hands-on experience in a local training kitchen facilitated by a professional chef-instructor, much like many restaurant training programs themselves today. 

The staff includes experienced chef educators and former culinary school executives with a curriculum that includes basic cooking theory and techniques, as well as practical commercial kitchen experience. 

"Whatever their motivation — from starting a new career to launching a culinary-based business — cooks at all skill levels will benefit from UCI's new program," UCI Continuing Education Division Program Director Ian Gibson, said in the release. "Students will receive a solid education that prepares them to forge their own paths in the industry. The program can be completed in as little as three months, and costs only a fraction of the traditional cooking school price tag."

Rouxbe Chief Culinary Officer Ken Rubin said the student-centered program launches students right into the thick of the culinary world's creative process. 

"While studying with professional chefs, students will be encouraged to dive in and experiment, learning from their own experiences in the kitchen," Rubin said. "With enough imagination and a dedication to developing their talents, aspiring professionals should have the opportunity to break into the culinary world."

A 3-month full-time option is offering as well as a 6-month part-time program with enrollment beginning in late September.