If you are one of those who enjoy cooking for people, you may be looking for a degree in culinary education. You may also want your education to include Christian values. Here, we'll explore the culinary programs of several Christian schools while also highlighting each school's cost and location.
School Comparison
Looking for a Christian culinary school is not really a possibility, since there are so few culinary schools in the country. However, when expanding your search to culinary arts programs at Christian colleges, you'll find many more opportunities.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition and Fees (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Adventist University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Seventh Day Adventist | Collegedale, TN | $23,210 |
| College of the Ozarks | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Evangelical Christian | Point Lookout, MO | $19,960 |
| Dominican University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | River Forest, IL | $35,570 |
| Siena Heights University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Adrian, MI | $28,502 |
| Livingstone College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church | Salisbury, NC | $18,296 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Culinary Programs Compared
The following colleges offer culinary arts programs and courses at varying levels, though a culinary arts associate's degree program is most common.
Southern Adventist University
This college offers an Associate of Science in Vegetarian Culinary Arts. Unlike some culinary programs, this one is unique because students learn to cook without meat as the protein. Classes will look at how to make appetizers, main dishes, beverages, soups and desserts. This 2-year program also looks at food purchasing, proper food handling and nutrition. Of course, a Christian college includes Christian core values; in this case, a course in spiritual development is included. The colleges's student to teacher ratio is 13 to 1. Along with missions to other countries, students can put their faith to use with campus ministries and activities.
College of the Ozarks
The College of the Ozarks has a student population around 1,479. Every semester artists and special guests are invited to take part in their Christian convocations, which bring the gospel through relevant medium. Every September, the College of the Ozarks holds a multi-day retreat for students to grow closer together and to God in an outdoor setting. This college offers a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) with a concentration in culinary arts. To gain work experience, students put their skills to use in the Keeter Center, which is a 15-room lodging with a restaurant and bakery.
Dominican University
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in 'Culinology' from Dominican University, you must transfer in with a completed associate's degree in a culinary-related program. You'll expand on your previous culinary knowledge with classes in multicultural foods, experiential foods, quality assurance and a 300-hour internship with a Research Chefs Association (RCA)-approved site. With the Ministry en lo Cotidiano, students in the Latin community will experience 'ministry in the everyday,' with culturally relevant faith events and leadership building. There are plenty of retreat and leadership-building opportunities for students who are not a part of the Latin community.
Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University has an average student to teacher ratio of 12:1. Siena Heights offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program that is quite unique. This 120-credit program is designed to further your education in a career you may have already begun. Students in the BAS program use prior experiences, test scores, certificates, and courses to create their own focus. While the BAS is a general term, you will still be able to say you've earned your Bachelor of Applied Science with a concentration in Culinary Arts, Baking, Restaurant Management, or from whichever path you believe your future career will benefit. You can gain experience in cooking during your program with the Culinary Chemistry Class. While you earn your BAS, you can deepen your faith with worship teams and activities -- including marriage preparation -- around campus and a campus ministry scholarship program.
Livingstone College
Originally founded as the Zion Wesley Institute, Livingstone College can trace its history back to its founding in 1879. Financial aid is awarded to 96% of students. School size is small, with approximately 890 students, all of whom are undergraduates. At Livingstone, you can earn an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts. Livingstone students have access to a number of services, including counseling, wellness, private tutoring, internships, and fraternities/sororities.