A Detailed Review of The Texas Culinary Academy Programs

Everything is bigger in Texas. Big hats. Big boots. Big steaks. Big cities. Sometimes bigger is better. The Texas Culinary Academy in Austin – the fourth biggest city in the state – is part of the Le Cordon Bleu program, which has a big reputation as a top training school for the next big chefs. Want to get in on the big action? Here’s what you need to know:

Program details

The Texas Culinary Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, and its Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Foundation. It offers degrees in Culinary Arts and Pastry and Baking. The program emphasizes a classic curriculum that combines a theoretical foundation with demonstration and hands-on training. Coursework covers not only basic cooking and pastry skills, but also elements of running a kitchen, including purchasing, cost control and basic business acumen. Courses are taught in professional kitchens and dining rooms by experienced instructors, many of whom have years of experience as chefs or in the restaurant industry. The Web site features all of the faculty, including information on their education, positions held, favorite dishes and hobbies.

Program length varies according to degree and personal options. The Culinary Arts track offers an associate’s degree – which can take 60 to 84 weeks to finish – and a certificate – which takes about 30 weeks to finish. The Pastry and Baking track offers a certificate that typically takes about 48 weeks to complete. Timing is based on a standard outline of coursework taken full time. A paid externship is required at the end of each program to graduate.

Student Services

Educational support goes beyond the core curriculum in the classroom. Students are prepared for career entry through multiple training opportunities, which begin with the school’s two on-campus, public restaurants, Ventana and Bleu River Grille. Students run the restaurant, prepare the meals and serve customers. Ventana is a full-serve fine-dining restaurant that focuses on classical French cuisine. Bleu River Grille is a casual, bistro-style restaurant. Other training opportunities include various events throughout the year that are also open to the public, including a chocolate demonstration and open house, a gingerbread house competition, a Mediterranean food festival, and an Asian food festival.

Career services are available to help with job placement and counseling throughout your studies and beyond. For students, services are available to help with finding part-time employment or an externship. Students can also receive counseling on the interviewing process, job search strategies and networking. The office also sponsors job fairs. Graduates can take advantage of membership in the alumni association for networking opportunities and access to special events.

Admissions and Tuition

The program has relaxed admissions standards. Students are required to have completed a high-school diploma or its equivalent, to pass an academic entrance exam with a minimum score and have an interview with an admissions representative, either in person or on the phone. An application and fee of $50 is required in addition to other admissions forms. International students must meet the same requirements. If the student’s native language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language may be required.

Tuition varies according to the program of study. For the associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, tuition is $38,625 for the entire program, in addition to estimate book fees of $2,200, tool kit fees of $830, uniforms estimated at $625 and a student service fee of $125. For the certificate in Culinary Arts, tuition is $12,821, with estimates for books at $1,210, tool kits at $800 and uniforms at $444. Tuition for the Pastry and Baking program is $28,500, with estimates for books at $884, tool kits at $840 and uniforms at $475. Financial aid and grants are available, and students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A complimentary apartment-locating service is provided to help with housing.

School Information:

Texas Culinary Academy
11400 Burnet Road, Suite 2100
Austin, TX 78758
888-559-7222
www.chefs.edu/austin/