Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Culinary Schools in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines.
Looking to kickstart your culinary career in Iowa? You’re in the right place.
This blog breaks down the top Culinary Schools in Iowa that offer exceptional training and opportunities to turn your passion into a profession.
From hands-on experience to industry connections, discover what makes these schools stand out.
Des Moines Area Community College – Iowa Culinary Institute
The Iowa Culinary Institute (ici®) at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) stands out as a top culinary school in Iowa. Here, you receive a full-fledged culinary education designed to prime you for a successful career in the culinary world.
This institute offers:
- Degrees and Diplomas: You can earn an associate degree or diploma in culinary arts, hospitality management, or baking.
- Hands-on Training: The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to work directly in the kitchen and understand the intricacies of food preparation.
- Industry Partnerships: Through collaborations with top chefs and restaurants, the institute guides you towards industry-relevant skills and networking opportunities.
- Unique Opportunities: The ici® Dinner Series and the ici® Bistro give you the chance to serve gourmet meals and engage with ethnic ingredients and spices.
Supporting all this is a dedicated team of faculty who ensure you receive both educational and practical training that aligns with industry standards. The multiple campuses across Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, and other locations make it accessible to students statewide.
Take a closer look at their programs by visiting the Iowa Culinary Institute at DMACC.
Iowa State University – Culinary Food Science Program
For those looking to merge culinary arts with culinary science, the Culinary Food Science Program at Iowa State University offers a distinctive blend ideal for aspiring chefs and food scientists alike.
This program combines:
- Scientific Foundation: Courses in food chemistry, nutrition, and food microbiology lay a strong groundwork.
- Culinary Skills: You’ll gain hands-on culinary experience through courses and lab work.
- Internships: Real-world experience via culinary or food science industry internships.
- Career Readiness: Support through Career Services for job searches, interview prep, and crafting resumes.
You can even opt for an accelerated degree. This approach allows you to experiment with food creatively while embedding scientific principles into your knowledge base.
Ultimately, this degree helps you impact the food industry significantly by working in food research, development, or culinary marketing. Learn more and start your journey with the Culinary Food Science Program at Iowa State University.
Kirkwood Community College – Culinary Arts Program
At Kirkwood Community College, the Culinary Arts program shapes you into a future leader in the culinary field. The curriculum offers a well-rounded education, balancing creative culinary skills with essential business knowledge.
Key benefits include:
- Practical Cooking Experiences: Develop your culinary skills through extensive hands-on training.
- Business Education: Learn food service management and hospitality operations.
- Industry-Aligned Training: Gain experience at The Class Act restaurant and Kirkwood’s Four Diamond Hotel.
- Internships: Participate in internships at top culinary establishments both locally and globally.
State-of-the-art culinary labs simulate professional kitchen environments, and the program’s American Culinary Federation accreditation means your education meets national standards.
Explore all that Kirkwood Community College offers by visiting Kirkwood Culinary Arts Program.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges – Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) provides a versatile education blending the art and science of cooking. With options for both a traditional degree and an apprenticeship pathway, you can tailor your education to meet your career ambitions.
Key features include:
- Culinary Arts Degree: A broad curriculum covering essential culinary techniques and creativity.
- Apprenticeship Program: 6,000 hours of on-site training with a journeyman chef leading to a Journeyman Chef Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Financial Aid: Options like the Last-Dollar Scholarship make education more affordable.
- Dedicated Support: A program advisor guides you through your academic journey.
With over 65 approved apprenticeship sites, you receive comprehensive, hands-on training that primes you for the culinary industry. Dive into the details at the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Culinary Arts.
Iowa Central Community College – Culinary Arts Program
Iowa Central Community College offers a robust Culinary Arts program leading to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The curriculum prepares you for multiple facets of the food service industry, ensuring you graduate with well-rounded skills.
Highlights include:
- In-Depth Curriculum: Courses cover food preparation, culinary arts, nutrition, safety, sanitation, baking, and food service management.
- On-the-Job Training: A practicum offers real-world experience, making class learning applicable immediately.
- Financial Accessibility: With affordable tuition, the program is accessible to many aspiring chefs.
- Strong Faculty Support: Advisors and instructors provide personalized guidance and ensure students’ success.
The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical knowledge, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to enter the food industry quickly and efficiently. Discover more about the Iowa Central Community College Culinary Arts program.
Western Iowa Tech Community College – Culinary Program
The Culinary Program at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) stands out with its emphasis on American Culinary Federation program competencies. This commitment ensures students receive rigorous training in essential culinary arts concepts and practices.
Key Features:
- Skill Development: A dedicated class on knife skills and a state-of-the-art theory kitchen prepares students for real-world challenges.
- Graduate Success: Alumni have successfully managed kitchens in local establishments, showcasing the program’s effectiveness.
- Degree Program: The Associate of Applied Science degree comprises 64 credits, with in-state tuition around $13,312 and out-of-state tuition approximately $13,696.
- Expert Faculty: Guided by Chef Brett McCarthy, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator, and Chef Michael Gasaway, Culinary Arts Instructor.
The curriculum prepares students to provide professional chef and cooking services in restaurants and other food establishments. Prospective students should contact Jennifer Conley, Career Navigator, for admissions help. Discover more about the Culinary Program at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) – Culinary Foundations
The Culinary Foundations program at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) equips students with essential culinary and hospitality skills.
Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive Skills: Focus on knife skills, food production techniques, customer service, and culinary terminology.
- Hands-On Learning: Classroom instruction combined with practical experience ensures well-rounded training.
- Affordable Tuition: The program costs around $2,699, with financial assistance options like Opportunity Dubuque.
- Industry Standards: Emphasis on food safety, communication skills, and equipment operation.
Developed by Program Developer Krista Weitz, this noncredit Career Pathway Certificate program offers an accessible route to starting a culinary career. Financial support and guidance are readily available to prospective students. Learn more about the Culinary Foundations program at NICC.
Iowa State University – Culinary Food Science Degree Program
The Culinary Food Science degree at Iowa State University provides a unique combination of culinary skills and scientific knowledge.
Program Details:
- Curriculum: 120 credit hours covering critical thinking, communication, economics, organic chemistry, food laws, and sensory food evaluation.
- Hands-On Courses: Advanced food preparation laboratory and supervised work experience are essential components.
- Certification: Completion includes food safety certification and various management courses.
- Broad Education: Covers International Perspectives and U.S. Diversity requirements.
This degree aims to prepare students for diverse roles in the food industry, emphasizing food product development and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the Culinary Food Science minor offers specialized academic opportunities. Find out more about the Culinary Food Science degree at Iowa State University.
How to Choose the Right Culinary School in Iowa
Choosing the right culinary school in Iowa involves several critical factors:
- Curriculum:
- Industry Connections:
- Facilities:
- Cost:
- Accreditation:
- Program Flexibility:
- Location:
- Reputation:
Weighing these factors will help you choose a culinary school that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Culinary Schools By State
Wrapping Up Your Culinary Journey in Iowa
Your journey to becoming a culinary professional begins with choosing the right school. Iowa is home to several renowned institutions offering excellent culinary programs. Whether you seek a blend of culinary arts and science or practical hands-on experience, these schools provide pathways to success. Explore your options and take the next step towards a fulfilling culinary career.