Welcome to CIA’s School of Graduate Studies

The School of Graduate Studies at the Culinary Institute of America is the definitive choice for professionals looking to change careers or advance their position within the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Get ready to drive impact across vibrant food systems with a master’s degree from CIA.

At CIA we believe that Food is Life—it’s fundamental to our human existence as well as our livelihood. Food systems have broad influences and impact not only on our cultures but on economies, trade, globalization, innovation, and personal health as well as planetary health and sustainability. Regardless of your current background or industry experience, you can join the exciting food revolution.

Choose the master’s programs for you and start learning from CIA’s food industry network of faculty and food and wine experts, business leaders and food service operators, and prominent CIA alumni across the globe.

CIA’s School of Graduate Studies Gonfalon

 

 

Looking to Advance Your Career with a Master’s Degree?

CIA’s School of Graduate Studies offers four online master’s programs that include a unique combination of convenient online lessons plus in-person residences with invaluable real-world networking opportunities. You can:

  • Learn how to utilize your culinary skills to promote health and wellness with our master’s in Culinary Therapeutics.
  • Drive food strategies and innovations with our master’s in Food Business.
  • Lead complex change with our master’s in Sustainable Food Systems.
  • Advance your career in beverage with our master’s in Wine and Beverage Management.

Additionally, our first-of-its-kind master’s in Culinary Arts puts current chefs and culinary professionals on the leading edge of dining and restaurant innovation.


Explore Master’s Degrees

 

Master’s in Culinary TherapeuticsMaster’s in Culinary Therapeutics
Food Business Management Master's DegreeMaster’s in Food Business
Sustainable Food Systems Master's DegreeMaster’s in Sustainable Food Systems
Wine and Beverage Management Master's DegreeMaster’s in Wine and Beverage Management
Culinary Arts Master’s Degree ProgramMaster’s in Culinary Arts

 

Faculty and Industry Experts​

Our faculty are among the foremost doers, makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the worlds of education, business, design, and technology. They share a passion for craft and mastery, but also for surprise and experimentation.


Brooke Golden

Brooke Golden

Differentiation, Branding, and Packaging


Philip Colicchio, Esq.

Philip Colicchio, Esq.

Legal Strategies and Challenges for the Restaurateur


Kyleigh

Kyleigh Wawak

Design Thinking for Food


Dr. Scott Alves Barton

Dr. Scott Alves Barton

Why the Food Business Is About More Than Food

 

VIEW ALL FACULTY

 

Alumni Spotlights

Graduate alumni at CIA bring with them diverse backgrounds, unique perspectives, and personal experiences from all walks of life.


Andrea Todd ’21

Andrea Todd ’21

Vice President, Dessert Holdings

Master’s in Food Business


Megan McQuinn ’22

Megan McQuinn ’22

Strategy Manager, Starbucks

Master’s in Food Business


Michael Hornback ’21

Michael Hornback ’21

Corporate Executive Chef, Custom Culinary

Master’s in Food Business


Jeffry Wiesinger ’23

Jeffry Wiesinger ’23

Owner, Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ

Master’s in Wine and Beverage Management

 

Upcoming Events and Courses

 

Food business manager in a restaurant.

Looking to Upskill or Enhance Your Current Industry Knowledge?


Executive Courses

Online courses that give you essential knowledge, tools, and skills. Learn More

Thought Leadership Conferences

Engage in industry conversations with leading change-makers around the world. Learn More


View Professional Development

 

 

What They Are Saying

“The caliber of students and instructors at CIA is second to none. I will always cherish the time I spent in the master’s in Food Business program, and I highly value the lifelong connections I was able to establish along the way.”
—Angela Bernstein, master’s in Food Business

Angela Bernstein, CIA student in the online master’s degree in Food Business program.

“The master’s in Sustainable Food Systems at CIA is the first program I’ve found with a curriculum that looks at sustainability, equity, and culinary leadership all at once. Deciding to apply was a no-brainer: I want to be part of building a brighter food future.”
—JB Douglas, master’s in Sustainable Food Systems

JB Douglas, CIA student in the online master's degree in Sustainable Food Systems program.

“Choosing to invest in my professional development with the Wine and Beverage Management program was easy. Online classes let me maintain my career while furthering my education, and I’m applying this new knowledge directly to my job.”
—Lauren Balak, master’s in Wine and Beverage Management

Lauren Balak, CIA student in the online Master's Degree in Wine Management program.

 

Access the CIA’s Network of Who’s Who of the Culinary World

For 75 years, CIA has been at the center of major revolutions in the food industry. Our connections run deep, with ties to top universities, food industry leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists and food authorities from around the world, recognized brands, cultural influencers, and more.

And, with this connection, CIA is able to bring to the master’s program faculty experts who continue to be practicing professionals—your education is uniquely grounded in practice and theory.

Learn more about your insider access to the people shaping the future of the food industry.

Many people at a networking event at the Culinary Institute of America.