Culinary Therapeutics
Online Master’s Degree
Food as Medicine.
Food is Life.
CIA’s master’s in Culinary Therapeutics program applies the culinary arts to improve health, well-being, and peak performance. Students will approach food as medicine through a chef’s perspective—integrating evidence-based nutritional science with culinary strategies focused on delivering delicious meals that people want to eat. Importantly, this, in turn, will drive real behavioral change to achieve desired health outcomes. This program will help you make positive, real-world impacts on the vitality of individuals and communities, including performance athletes, people living with chronic illnesses, and older adults. CIA is committed to empowering chefs—ensuring our place at the center of the care team to transform health and wellness.
Ready to get started? Apply now.
Quick Facts
Next Start Date: Fall 2025
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Program Format: Online with three residencies
Program Duration: Two years
Total Credits: 30
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for individuals with culinary or foodservice experience. Culinary Therapeutics is an emerging field of study—with numerous career possibilities—making it a promising, impactful field for those with culinary experience passionate about using food to promote healthy lifestyles.
Program Highlights
Our program integrates food science education, nutritional understanding, and applied culinary practices to prepare its graduates to:
- Utilize their knowledge of nutritional science to critically evaluate dietary and metabolic recommendations from medical professionals and develop nourishing and delicious foods, and menus that optimize health and wellness.
- Support your clients with meals that are not only nutritionally beneficial but, importantly, also bring joy. Apply motivational theories to inspire dietary behavioral changes associated with improved physical and mental wellbeing.
- Formulate food-based solutions to wellness issues prevalent within the healthcare system—using their programmatic knowledge, research, and culinary experience.
- Learn how to educate and mentor individuals through a variety of formats and technologies—discussions, culinary skills demonstrations, and coaching sessions.
Note: This program does not lead to licensure in any profession, nor does it allow students to do any activities that are restricted to licensed professions.
Careers
Inspire your clients to improve their health, boost performance, and even manage chronic illness through delicious, properly prepared foods. Culinary Therapeutics is an emerging field of study—with numerous career possibilities—making it a promising, impactful field for those with culinary experience passionate about using food to promote balanced lifestyles. Any culinary professional looking to advance their career in the performance and health-supportive arena can benefit, including:
- Performance food service providers—athletes, sports teams, competitive performers (e.g. dance professionals)
- Healthcare-based food service professionals—hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, senior living centers
- Nutritionists/dietitians
- Food and education coaches
- Acupuncturist/holistic medicine coaches
- Private and corporate R&D chefs
- Educational institution food professionals—K-12, colleges and universities
- Food professionals within hotels, cruises, and spas
Curriculum Overview
The two-year, 30-credit Culinary Therapeutics master’s degree program includes:
- 27 credits in online courses covering subjects such as nutrition and optimal diet theory and application, health and wellness systems integration, therapeutic meal planning, as well as a capstone project developed with the help of faculty advisors and mentors.
- 3 credits consisting of three short residencies at CIA’s domestic campuses held before the start of the first semester, after the completion of the second semester, and as the final semester concludes.
Why is Culinary Therapeutics the Future?
- Growing Demand for Preventive Healthcare: Surging healthcare costs coupled with increased awareness about lifestyle-related diseases is driving more people to seek preventive health solutions. Culinary Therapeutics provides a proactive approach to using food to promote healthier living for personal wellness.
- Chronic Disease Epidemic: Given that many diseases and metabolic conditions are significantly impacted by dietary patterns, Culinary Therapeutics professionals can partner with medical professionals to help manage—even mitigate—these conditions.
- Integration with Holistic and Traditional Medicine: Culinary professionals are increasingly included in healthcare settings to work alongside doctors, dietitians, and other health professionals to address mind, body, and spirit.
- Demand for Health and Wellness: As people become more aware of how food affects their well-being, demand for food professionals trained in Culinary Therapeutics will increase. This will open up new opportunities in wellness centers, resorts and spas, healthcare facilities, and food service organizations.
Ready to get started? Apply now.
Learn In-person with Residencies
The asynchronous online learning format of the Culinary Therapeutics master’s degree program is supported by three in-person residencies.
Your cohort will gather for hands-on learning and immersive experiences in the Hudson Valley and the Napa Valley including:
- Taste, palate, and sensory development.
- Hands-on kitchen experience with skilled peers who share your passion to advance their careers.
- Visits and learning opportunities in healthcare settings and wellness centers.
Master’s Degree Virtual Info Sessions
Attend an online information session to learn even more about CIA’s master’s program. Our Graduate Admissions Team will provide details on the curriculum, admissions process, and the unique career paths a master’s degree from CIA can lead. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your questions and get them answered in real time. Find an information session that works for you.
CIA Advantage
The Culinary Institute of America has been educating successful food, beverage, and hospitality industry professionals for decades, helping to launch and advance thousands of careers. As a graduate of CIA, you’ll instantly become a part of the most notable Alumni Network—paving the way for exceptional career opportunities. You’ll also have lifelong access to career resources, including job listings, mentors, and networking events. Our master’s alumni have accelerated their careers to own restaurants and businesses, impact the health of communities, craft signature wine brands, become food writers, and become changemakers in their industry.
That’s the iconic CIA Network.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Associate degree in culinary arts or related discipline.
- Culinary certificate of at least two semesters or the equivalent. CIA’s Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate and ProChef Level 1 both meet the requirement.
- Extensive culinary experience in a professional kitchen environment that would allow the student to meet the necessary technical requirements listed below.
Contact Your Graduate Admissions Counselor
Robert Tremblay ’10
Associate Director—Graduate Admissions
