The Academy of Culinary Arts is a department in the College of Health and Human Services at IUP. Our first program was first offered in 1989. Acredited by the American Culinary Federation, the Academy of Culinary Arts offers students a comprehensive culinary education with an instructional cost substantially less than other nationally recognized culinary programs.

Here are some highlights of the academy:

Multiple Degree and Study Options for Culinary Majors

Culinary Arts

  • Comprehensive curriculum combines hands-on practice with theory, demonstrations, and development of the work ethics required for success in the hospitality industry
  • More hours of culinary instruction: fall and spring semesters each include 600 instructional hours; summer semester includes 450 instructional hours
  • Culinary students complete a paid externship of 450 hours. (Tuition is free for the externship semester.)

Baking and Pastry

  • Comprehensive curriculum combines hands-on practice with theory, demonstrations, and development of the work ethics required for success in the hospitality industry
  • More hours of instruction: fall and spring semesters each include 600 instructional hours; summer semester includes 450 instructional hours
  • Baking and Pastry students complete a paid externship of 450 hours. (Tuition is free for the externship semester.)
  • Students who begin their studies in Culinary Arts may choose to continue into Baking and Pastry upon successful completion of the culinary arts program.

Outstanding Faculty

  • Culinary and baking faculty have earned graduate degrees and extensive certifications in their areas of expertise
  • IUP Culinary and Baking faculty have many years of real-world, industry experience
  • Many faculty members are award-winning culinary competitors

Chef Instructors Who Connect with Students

  • Small class sizes
  • Each instructor is personally involved with the success of the students

100 Percent Externship Job Placement

Alumni Job Line and Referral Service Especially for Culinary Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coursework in a culinary arts vocational program required for admission?

No. Approximately 50 percent of our students come from career/vocational school programs and 50 percent come from traditional academic programs.

Is work experience required?

No, although some experience in the hospitality industry is helpful. A love of cooking is required.

What are the academic requirements?

The majority of students admitted have high school GPAs ranging from 2.5 to 4.0+. We consider all aspects of the student's application, and we may require an interview and/or shadow day if we need additional information to assess the student's ability to successfully complete the culinary arts program.

What SAT or ACT score is required?

We do not require SAT or ACT. We encourage students to submit official scores, though, as some of our culinary scholarships do have a SAT/ACT requirement.

What campus is the culinary program located on?

Culinary and baking majors begin their studies on the IUP Punxsutawney campus. Students study for three semesters (fall, spring, and summer) in Punxsutawney, and complete the certificate with an externship (industry experience) semester off-campus. After completing the externship, students choosing the Culinary Associate Degree option will complete 12 credits of liberal arts studies on the Punxsutawney campus or take online classes. Those continuing on for the BS degree programs will complete their studies on the Indiana campus.

How do my students apply to the culinary arts programs?

All students who are interested in majoring in culinary arts or baking and pastry apply directly through Culinary Admissions. Online and paper applications are available. Applicants will receive an admissions decision within two weeks after all admissions requirements and supporting documentation have been received.