Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 66.0%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $24748) to the average debt ($16345) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 66.0%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($24748) against the typical student debt ($16345), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $24748, and with an average student debt of $16345, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.66—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 22680 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other (CIP 12.0599) is a specialized category within the hospitality and food industry that covers innovative, non-traditional, or emerging culinary pathways. While most culinary programs focus strictly on professional cooking or baking, the "Other" designation includes degrees that merge food preparation with specialized fields like food science, culinary medicine, farm-to-table management, or sustainable food systems. It is designed for students who want to go beyond the "line" in a restaurant and explore the deeper impact of food on health, culture, and the environment.
This degree is ideal for creative, hands-on learners who have a passion for food but are also interested in the technical, scientific, or managerial aspects of the industry. It is a perfect fit for the "culinary entrepreneur" who wants to design new food products, manage high-end specialty services, or lead global food initiatives.
What Is a Culinary Arts and Related Services (Other) Degree?
A Culinary Arts and Related Services (Other) degree focuses on the advanced application of culinary skills in niche markets. This might include programs that specialize in molecular gastronomy (the physics and chemistry of cooking), holistic nutrition, or large-scale food production for airlines and healthcare facilities. These programs often bridge the gap between a traditional chef's training and a business or science degree.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for specialized roles in food research and development (R&D)
- Train experts in sustainable sourcing and farm-to-institution logistics
- Address the growing demand for "culinary medicine" and health-focused food preparation
- Provide a foundation for niche entrepreneurs in the artisanal and craft food sectors
This structure emphasizes innovation, technical precision, and a deep understanding of the global food supply chain.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn to master the fundamentals of cooking while diving into the specific science and logistics of their chosen niche.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master advanced knife skills and professional cooking techniques
- Understand the chemical properties and interactions of food ingredients
- Manage food safety and sanitation (HACCP) at an expert level
- Design menus that meet specific dietary, nutritional, or budgetary requirements
- Analyze food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships
- Develop new food products from concept to shelf-ready packaging
These skills make graduates valuable not just in kitchens, but in corporate offices and laboratories.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program focus, students may study:
- Food Chemistry and Sensory Analysis
- Sustainable Agriculture and Ethical Sourcing
- Culinary Nutrition and Therapeutic Cooking
- Food Styling and Professional Food Photography
- Global Food Policy and Food Security
- Fermentation Science and Artisanal Food Production
- Restaurant Concept Design and Branding
- Applied Food Microbiology
This coursework ensures that students can approach food through a scientific, artistic, and business lens simultaneously.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Culinary Arts (Other) degree prepares students for diverse roles that often carry more regular hours and higher specialized pay than traditional line cook positions.
Common job roles include:
- Research and Development (R&D) Chef
- Food Stylist or Culinary Content Creator
- Sustainability Coordinator for Food Groups
- Culinary Nutritionist or Dietary Consultant
- Specialized Food Manufacturer (e.g., craft cheesemaker or brewer)
- Quality Assurance Manager in food production
- Culinary Director for schools, hospitals, or corporate campuses
- Private Chef for high-net-worth individuals or athletes
Many graduates use their specialized knowledge to consult for major food brands or start their own niche food businesses.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates find opportunities in a variety of high-impact environments:
- Corporate Test Classrooms and Test Kitchens
- Food Technology and Biotech Companies
- Hospitals, Wellness Centers, and Senior Living Facilities
- Sustainable Farms and "Farm-to-Table" organizations
- Media Houses and Digital Content Agencies
- Boutique Food Production Facilities
- Educational Institutions as Culinary Instructors
- High-end Resorts and International Travel Groups
These settings value the specialized expertise that a general culinary degree might not provide.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in the "Other" culinary category are often higher than entry-level restaurant roles because of the technical expertise involved.
- R&D Chefs and Food Scientists often earn between $65,000 and $95,000.
- Culinary Directors at large institutions can earn $80,000 to $120,000.
- Private Chefs can earn anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000+ depending on the client and location.
- Food Stylists and consultants often work as freelancers with daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Specialized certifications, such as becoming a Research Chef or a Certified Culinary Scientist, can significantly boost earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
This degree is physically and mentally demanding. It requires the physical stamina of a chef—standing for long hours and working with hot equipment—combined with the academic rigors of science and business. You must be comfortable with precise measurements, chemical formulas, and complex logistics.
Success requires a high level of discipline, a "perfectionist" eye for detail, and a genuine love for the process of discovery.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs are offered in several formats to suit different career goals:
- Associate Degrees for quick entry into technical food production or specialized kitchens.
- Bachelor’s Degrees for those aiming for corporate R&D, management, or food science roles.
- Graduate Certificates for current chefs who want to specialize in nutrition, sustainability, or business.
Many "Other" culinary programs offer hybrid formats, where students study theory and business online but attend intensive "in-person labs" or internships to master their hands-on skills.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love food but don't necessarily want to work in a traditional restaurant forever
- Are interested in the "why" behind how ingredients change when they are cooked
- Want to solve problems related to health, the environment, or global food waste
- Enjoy creative projects that require both art and science
- Want a career that offers a mix of kitchen work and professional office/lab work
- Are an aspiring entrepreneur with a unique food product idea
It is the perfect path for the "food explorer" who wants to redefine what it means to be a culinary professional.
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in this specialized field can prepare by:
- Taking classes in Chemistry, Biology, and Health/Nutrition
- Working in any food-related environment (even a local deli or bakery)
- Experimenting with "food science" at home—baking, fermenting, or following complex recipes
- Joining a club like FFA (Future Farmers of America) or a culinary competition team
- Developing strong writing skills to document recipes and research findings
You do not need to be a master chef to start. A curious mind, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to get your hands dirty in the pursuit of innovation are the most important ingredients for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
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