Culinary Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Culinary Science is an interdisciplinary field that merges the artistry of cooking with the rigor of scientific inquiry to innovate and advance food products and experiences. This program equips students with the expertise to thrive in research and development roles within the global food industry, where creativity meets analytical precision.
- Culinary Arts: Mastery of cooking techniques, flavor development, and plating aesthetics, emphasizing innovation and presentation in professional food preparation.
- Food Chemistry: In-depth study of the molecular composition of ingredients and how chemical reactions influence texture, taste, and stability during cooking and storage.
- Food Safety and Quality: Training in regulatory standards, contamination prevention, hazard analysis, and quality assurance protocols essential for safe and consistent food production.
- Food Processing: Exploration of industrial methods for preserving, packaging, and scaling food products while maintaining nutritional value and sensory appeal.
- Nutrition Science: Examination of macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary impacts on health, with applications in developing functional and health-focused food solutions.
- Business Management: Foundational knowledge in supply chain logistics, product costing, marketing strategies, and innovation management tailored to the food and beverage sector.
Culinary Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Culinary Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Culinary Science degrees, including Food Scientists and Technologists, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other and Food Service Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 616,040 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012 | $85,310 | $49,580 - $141,860 | 14,370 | $41.02 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Food Service Managers 11-9051 | $65,310 | $42,380 - $105,420 | 244,230 | $31.40 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks 35-1011 | $60,990 | $36,000 - $96,030 | 182,320 | $29.32 |
| Cooks, All Other 35-2019 | $36,210 | $26,430 - $49,600 | 23,590 | $17.41 |
Culinary Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,246 in Iowa to $84,203 in Hawaii—a 64% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 616,040 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Culinary Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Culinary Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Culinary Science is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (192 graduates), Culinary Institute of America (CIA) (50 graduates), Johnson & Wales University, Providence (20 graduates), Drexel University (11 graduates), and Texas Woman's University (TWU) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 301 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Other Award
|
192 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Culinary Institute of America (CIA) |
Bachelor's
|
50 | Hyde Park, New York | Private | ciachef.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | jwu.edu |
| Drexel University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
11 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Texas Woman's University (TWU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Denton, Texas | Public | twu.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University (JWU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | jwu.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Marshall, Minnesota | Public | smsu.edu |
| Life University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Marietta, Georgia | Private | life.edu |
| University of Holy Cross (UHC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | uhcno.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Culinary Science programs
How much can I earn with a Culinary Science degree?
Salaries for Culinary Science graduates vary by role and location. Food Scientists and Technologists earn a median of $85,310 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $84,203 compared to $51,246 in Iowa. Approximately 616,040 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Culinary Science programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Culinary Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (192 graduates), Culinary Institute of America (CIA) (50 graduates), and Johnson & Wales University, Providence (20 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Culinary Science growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 9 in 2010 to 301 in 2023-24. This represents a 3,244% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Culinary Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Food Scientists and Technologists, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, and Food Service Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 616,040 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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