ONLINE CULINARY SCHOOL AVAILABLE IN HOUSTON

Pursuing a chef career in Houston typically involves blending a solid culinary education with hands-on experience. Here are some steps that can help you move closer to your goal:

Culinary Education: The online culinary arts program at Escoffier offers a thorough curriculum in culinary techniques and kitchen management, helping you to learn essential skills and pursue your education remotely. This program also includes an in-person industry externship, offering practical experience for an aspiring chef.

Gain Local Experience: You can complement your online learning with working in Houston’s dynamic culinary scene. The city features a diverse range of dining establishments, from trendy cafes to upscale restaurants. Externships in these environments can help you apply the skills you’ve learned in your courses.

Start with Entry-Level Positions: You can help launch your career by working as a line cook or prep cook in Houston’s restaurants. These entry-level roles are crucial for applying your skills in a professional setting and understanding the fast-paced nature of the culinary industry.

Network in Houston: Building a network is essential for career growth. Engage with Houston’s culinary community by attending local food festivals, culinary competitions, and events for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs. Joining professional organizations, such as the Texas Chef Association’s Houston chapter, can connect you with experienced chefs and restaurateurs.

A combination of online education and practical experience in Houston can help train you for a culinary career. For a comprehensive guide on how to follow this path, explore our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

The median salary for a culinary chef in Houston is approximately $51,830 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Escoffier is accredited in Houston! As one of the few U.S.-accredited institutions offering fully online degrees that incorporate culinary classes and hands-on industry externships, Escoffier stands out. Our online programs are available through the Boulder campus.

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, holds national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

Additionally, the school is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Division of Private Occupational Schools. The Boulder campus is authorized by the CDHE to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This accreditation was attained through rigorous curriculum development and the recruitment of faculty specialized in online education, which is essential for Escoffier’s culinary arts programs. These programs are offered fully online and include in-person industry externships.

Registering for an online culinary program from Houston is simple with Escoffier’s user-friendly platform, requiring only about 10 minutes. For a comprehensive overview of the enrollment process, consult our guide, “How to Get into Culinary School,” or contact our Admissions Department for personalized support.

Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Your location and demographic details
• Emergency contact information
• The program you’re interested in
• Proof of graduation
• A valid driver’s license, passport, or photo ID

After completing your application, you’ll be prompted to submit the $25 application fee and will receive an enrollment agreement packet via DocuSign.

Once your application is reviewed, an Admissions Team member will contact you to discuss the next steps. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak with the Student Finance Department about financing options. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify, making education accessible to many students.

Yes, to enroll in online culinary school at Escoffier while living in Houston, you must provide proof of high school completion or an equivalent qualification before your planned start date.

Houston students can satisfy this requirement through one of the following options:

• A high school diploma or transcript
• Passing a high school equivalency exam such as the GED, HSED, HiSet, or TASC
• Documentation showing you have passed a state-authorized examination recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma
• An official college transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of an Associate degree or higher
• Completion of 60 college semester credits or 90 college quarter credits from an accredited institution
• A state-recognized homeschool certificate of completion
• Homeschool documentation required by local or state agencies, including notification to the required agency, academic transcripts, and proof of graduation
• A DD-214 form for U.S. veterans, indicating high school equivalency

View the costs for all programs offered to students in Houston. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

To learn more about the financial aid process and to speak with a financial advisor, please get in touch with us.

Yes, financial aid is available for culinary school students in Houston who apply and meet the qualifications.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the majority of first-time postsecondary students at Escoffier who qualified received some form of financial support. We recommend that prospective students reach out to our Financial Aid Department to determine their eligibility for grants or federally-backed loans.

Escoffier also offers scholarships for eligible online students, such as Work & Learn Scholarships, the Student Veteran Scholarship, and various merit-based scholarships.

Explore the available scholarships to see if you qualify.

For graduates with a culinary arts degree or diploma in Houston, the city’s unique culinary scene can offer numerous job opportunities. Here are some possible career paths in Houston:

Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Houston’s dining scene, particularly in neighborhoods like Montrose, The Heights, and Midtown, is filled with both innovative and established restaurants. This culinary diversity may offer a wide range of job opportunities for graduates, covering various cuisines from classic Tex-Mex and barbecue to contemporary fusion and fine dining.

Private Chefs: The demand for personalized dining experiences in Houston can provide opportunities for private chefs to create custom menus. These menus can showcase local flavors and culinary creativity, catering to the city’s diverse population.

Catering and Event Chefs: Houston’s vibrant social, corporate, and cultural event scene can offer many opportunities for chefs specializing in catering. Roles in this sector typically require skills in menu planning, large-scale food production, and client service, with events frequently held in renowned venues such as The Houston Museum of Natural Science and the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Food Entrepreneurs: Houston’s dynamic food scene and emphasis on innovation can provide an ideal environment for launching food trucks, pop-up restaurants, or artisanal products. These startups can often be supported by local markets and events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

To discover more culinary job opportunities that could be available to you, check out our article, “13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.”

Choosing between Escoffier’s Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts requires considering several factors. Neither program guarantees a higher salary in Houston’s culinary market; the best choice will likely depend on the specific skills you’re looking to gain out of your education and your culinary goals.

Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations: This program focuses on the essential skills needed to work in the culinary industry, teaching fundamental cooking techniques and basic professional skills. It typically takes less time to complete than an associate degree, making it a great option for those who want to quickly enter the workforce and gain hands-on experience.

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts Degree: This degree teaches a comprehensive curriculum that includes both culinary skills and a broader understanding of culinary arts management. It covers culinary techniques, restaurant operations, foodservice accounting, and business communications. This program can be particularly beneficial for those aiming for higher professional levels or planning to start their own culinary business.

Both programs provide essential education and training for culinary careers. Achieving a well-paying chef position also involves leveraging Houston’s culinary networking opportunities, staying motivated, and practicing your skills in a real-world setting. Whether you choose a diploma or a degree, gaining experience through externships and ongoing professional development can be crucial to building your career as a chef.

Yes, culinary school online at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts can offer job search assistance to students in Houston upon graduation. The Career Services team provides coaching and resources to help students pursue their career goals and connect with employers that match their professional goals.

At Escoffier, students have access to Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to benefit from this assistance even after graduation.

Escoffier has been ranked by Niche as being among the top culinary arts colleges in the United States, making it a great choice for residents of Houston, Texas. Our school is recognized for its experienced Chef Instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and emphasis on sustainability and farm-to-table practices. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including fundamental cooking techniques, foodservice management, foundational business skills, and diverse culinary concepts.

Our programs also include practical industry externships, offering essential hands-on culinary experience.

Beyond our culinary programs, Escoffier offers online courses in Baking and Pastry Arts, Food Entrepreneurship, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness, and Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management.

For those considering a culinary arts career in Houston, enrolling in online culinary school at Escoffier can be an excellent choice.

To learn more about what sets our school apart, read our article on what you need to know about culinary school at Escoffier.