Culinary Schools in Iowa

by Elizabeth Baker

Culinary schools are for those who like to cook and bake or hope to one day open their own restaurant or catering business. Students enrolled in culinary schools learn the techniques, craft and knowledge involved to make gourmet dishes and desserts. Residents of Iowa have a variety of schools to choose from, all of which offer unique disciplines, opportunities and locations.
Iowa Culinary Institute

Students should consider the Iowa Culinary Institute, with branches in Des Moines, Ankeny, Carroll, and Newton. The main institute in Des Moines offers programs in culinary disciplines and hotel restaurant management Students also have the opportunity to study French cuisine through internships abroad in France, study wine production during the annual Mid-American Wine Competition and participate in gourmet dinner nights open to the campus. Iowa Culinary Institute 1100 7th St. Des Moines, IA 50314 (515) 244-4226 go.dmacc.edu/ici/Pages/welcome.aspx

Iowa State University

Iowa State University has one of the best culinary schools in the state. It offers courses in food and nutrition studies, plus a joint program in hospitality services management, for those interested in working in hotels, hospitals or other general care facilities. The school also recently introduced a culinary science degree program. Iowa State University 312 Food Sciences Building Ames, IA 50011 (515) 294-5836 www.fshn.hs.iastate.edu/ugrad/culinary.php
University of Northern Iowa

At the University of Northern Iowa, students can specialize in hospitality service management as well as food and nutrition studies. Students are also offered the opportunity to explore green and sustainable cooking, as well as the value of organic foods. University of Northern Iowa 1222 W 27th St. Cedar Falls, IA 50614 (319) 273-2201 www.uni.edu/nacufs/edprograms.htm

Iowa Culinary Institute