CSCA CULINARY SCHOOL RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Our recreational cooking and baking classes* offer individual classes and workshops designed to help participants learn new culinary skills and techniques that they can apply to their home cooking. The classes range from one day workshops to multi-week series classes and cover many different cuisines, techniques, and styles of cooking. Participants can sign up for any class they like without needing to fulfill any prerequisites or application process.
Our professional training programs** are more intensive and designed to prepare students to work as chefs in the culinary industry. Emphasis in the professional programs teaches students to go beyond following a recipe and really understanding the ingredients, techniques, and science of professional cooking. The professional programs are licensed through the Massachusetts Department of Public Licensure and upon successful completion, students receive either a Culinary/Pastry Certificate or Professional Chef’s/Pastry Chef’s Diploma. Students must also apply and be accepted into their respective programs prior to starting classes.
*CSCA Recreational Classes are not required to be licensed and/or approved by the Massachusetts Department of Occupational Licensure, Office of Private Occupational School Education.
**CSCA Professional Programs are required to be licensed and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Occupational Licensure, Office of Private Occupational School Education.
Culinary school is for everyone regardless of how much previous culinary experience they have. We are a school and will teach students everything they need to become successful professional chefs. Our curriculum covers basic techniques and principles to create a strong foundation, then continue building the student’s repertoire and expanding their understanding of food.
There is no such thing as a “typical” student here at CSCA. Our student body consists of young people just starting their culinary careers, career changers eager to pursue something they are passionate about, and retirees who have always dreamed of going to culinary school. We have students who want to be James Beard winning chefs and students who just want to impress their friends with fancy dinner parties. Our students come from various backgrounds, have various expectations of their time in culinary school, and various goals of what they ultimately do with their culinary educations. What they all share, however, is a passion for food and a desire to immerse themselves in everything culinary. If you have a passion for food, cooking and baking, then YOU are our typical student.
WHAT TYPE OF PROFESSIONAL CULINARY AND PASTRY PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER?
We offer four programs in culinary arts and pastry arts that allow you to choose the track best suited to your culinary goals and aspirations.
16 Week Culinary Certificate Program
37 Week Professional Chef’s Program
16 Week Certificate Pastry Program
37 Week Professional Pastry Program
We offer four programs in culinary arts and pastry arts that allow you to choose the track best suited to your culinary goals and aspirations.
16 Week Culinary Certificate Program
37 Week Professional Chef’s Program
16 Week Certificate Pastry Program
37 Week Professional Pastry Program
All of our professional programs are considered to be “full time” and require students to be in class for 19 hours per week. Each week, students have two (8-hour) lab classes and one (3-hour) seminar. Many students continue to work full or part time while in school. Evening classes are available during certain enrollment periods, for individuals who have other professional, family, or personal commitments that prevent them from being able to taking classes during the day.
As a small school, we make it a priority to learn as much as possible about our students and understand what they hope to get out of their culinary school experience.
Before students apply to our programs, we want them to really understand the CSCA experience. We encourage all prospective students to speak with our admissions department, attend an information session, and/or observe one of our current professional classes. Attending culinary school is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we want to make sure that CSCA is a good fit for you and your needs.
To be considered for acceptance into CSCA, all applicants must provide the following materials:
- Online Application
- Professional Resume
- Education Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- 2 Reference Letters
- Passport Size Photo
- $45 Application Fee
After our Admissions Department receives your completed application, we will schedule a brief telephone interview before making our final admissions decision.
By enrolling at CSCA you are not just joining a school, you are joining a family. As a CSCA student, your education and experiences will take you far beyond just learning the basics. We strive to create a life-changing experience and expect your confidence to soar as we illuminate your culinary path and ultimately showcase what makes you, you.
From day one, expect to be immersed in hands-on lessons in one of our commercial kitchens. Expect also to gain insight from visiting industry leaders, restaurateurs, and cookbook authors. You’ll learn to easily navigate the rush of a commercial kitchen. You’ll be encouraged to problem solve. To taste and identify a properly seasoned dish as you advance your palate. You’ll discover the ‘what,’ ‘how to,’ and ‘why’ for every recipe and, at times, will find yourself inspired or challenged to see beyond a recipe’s confines. And because of the school’s prime Cambridge location, you’ll have the opportunity to explore exciting culinary trends while participating in events taking place in the bustling greater Boston area.
CSCA is proud to provide a low student to instructor ratio to optimize learning potential. Class size is limited to 12 students per instructor.
All programs meet for 19 hours per week: 8 hours per lab class and 3 hours per seminar. Many students continue to work full or part time while in school.
- The Professional Chef’s Program is 37 weeks long or 744 clock hours.
- The Professional Pastry Program is 37 weeks long or 744 clock hours.
- The Culinary Certificate Program is 16 weeks long or 326 clock hours.
- The Certificate Pastry Program is 16 weeks long or 326 clock hours.
Lab class times vary by semester and are listed on our Admissions Page. Students must elect a lab schedule from the available options each semester and an evening lecture schedule from either Tuesday or Wednesday nights.
Please Note: All day (AM) lab classes are 8:00am-4:00pm and all evening (PM) lab classes are 4:30pm-12:30am.
All seminars are held in the evening (PM) 6:00pm-9:00pm.
- With successful completion of the Culinary Certificate Program, students earn a Certificate of Completion
- With successful completion of the Certificate Pastry Program, students earn a Certificate of Completion
- With successful completion of the Professional Chef’s Program, students earn a Culinary Arts diploma
- With successful completion of the Professional Pastry Program, students earn a Pastry Arts diploma
CSCA is not a Title IV school and not eligible for federally subsidized loans. Students will often get loans through banks or credit unions, these will be personal loans rather than traditional student loans, and therefore have different interest rates and repayment schedules. We do offer payment plan options. Students should contact our admissions office for information about payment plans and assistance.
The cost of Equipment and tuition due at the time school starts will be based upon the terms of your enrollment agreement. CSCA permits tuition to be paid in full, half, or on a quarterly basis.
We do not offer any at this time, but there are culinary certificate scholarships from outside organizations that we are happy to refer.
There are no loans, scholarships, or financial aid offered through CSCA. Because we are not a Title IV school, we are not eligible for federally subsidized student loans such as FAFSA, Stafford Loans, or Pell Grants. Students will often get loans through banks or credit unions, these will be personal loans rather than traditional student loans, and therefore have different interest rates and repayment schedules. We do offer payment plan options.
CSCA does not offer Bachelor’s or Associate’s degrees, and any previous academic or culinary training cannot be applied towards our professional programs. Our professional training programs are based on clock hours rather than credit hours and students must complete the programs in their entirety. Upon successful completion, graduates receive either a Culinary/Pastry Certificate or Professional Chef’s/Pastry Chef’s Diploma.
CSCA is approved for attendance of nonimmigrant (M-1) students through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to accept international students into our professional training programs. International students must be accepted into their respective programs and confirm their enrollment before starting the immigration process. International students are encouraged to submit their completed application at least 3 months prior to their intended program start date to ensure adequate time to go through both the admissions process and immigration process. For more information on international enrollment, click here.
CSCA does not provide student housing. There are plentiful apartments and housing options available in the area.
CSCA posts job opportunities on a private portal for current students and alumni. Students may set up appointments to discuss job aspirations, resume building, stage opportunities, and more with our Manager of Admissions and Student Life.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared for positions such as a line cook, sous chef, caterer, personal chef, CSCA recreational instructor, and more. Many students go on to quickly launch successful ventures of their own including restaurants, food delivery services, and specialty food shops.
At CSCA, we strive to introduce students to the variety of career options available to individuals with a professional culinary education. Our graduates are well prepared to embark on countless different career paths that are aligned with their unique interests, goals, and stages of life. We have graduates working as restaurant chefs, caterers, personal chefs, bakers, cake decorators, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, TV personalities, recipe developers, chef instructors, social media influencers, and many other unique career possibilities. Our Career Services Department works with each student to help them figure out where they want their culinary careers to take them.
Our Admissions Department is here to guide you through your entire culinary journey and help you decide if CSCA is the right place for you to pursue your culinary education. We are always available to answer your questions, talk about the programs, and discuss your personal culinary goals. Schedule a time to chat with an admissions Manager here.
Wherever you are in your culinary school research, CSCA wants to hear from you. We can be reached by phone at (617) 354-2020 ext 120 or by email at .
Download Our Professional Catalogue
Fill out the form to view and download our interactive PDF catalogue with extensive information about our programs.
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
International Students
CSCA invites students worldwide to apply for our prestigious culinary and pastry programs. Our global Alumni Network spans across countries like Brazil, China, Japan, India, Ghana, Canada, England, Ukraine, Indonesia, Philippines and beyond. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to embark on your culinary journey!
Application Documentation
- $45 Application Fee
- Completed Online Application
- Passport Size Photo
- 2 Letters of Reference
- Professional Resume
- Personal Statement
- Academic Transcripts
Immigration Documentation
- Signed Enrollment Agreement
- Financial Documentation
- I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
- M-1 Student Visa
Enrollment of International Students
CSCA is approved for attendance of nonimmigrant (M-1) students. Admissions requirements and procedures are the same as those for students who are citizens of the U.S., with the following exceptions:
1) Once accepted, students are eligible for admission into the U.S. only if a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Vocational Students (I-20) is completed and properly endorsed by the official designated by CSCA. Accepted students need to apply for an M-1 Student Visa at the American consulate or embassy in their home country.
2) Students must provide financial documentation demonstrating adequate funds to cover the cost of the program and cost of living while enrolled.
Foreign applicants must be fluent in English. A standardized admissions test or TOEFL may be used at the discretion of the Admissions Office.
Please note: International students residing either outside or inside of the USA must submit a completed application for the Professional Chef’s Program, Professional Pastry Program, Culinary Certificate Program, or the Certificate Pastry Program at least 60 days before the class start dates for each term.
Resources For International Students
THINKING OF GOING PRO?
Speak With Admissions
We understand that choosing a culinary school isn’t always easy, so we’re here to help you make a confident, informed decision about your future. Schedule a 15-minute phone call with our Admissions Manager to get an introduction to our programs, an overview of the application process, and answers to all your questions.
Matt Grymek, Manager of Enrollment and Student Services