About CIA

The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education since its founding in 1946.

A collage features smiling students making a heart shape with their hands, a campus building with a water fountain, and a person in a bee costume interacting with students outdoors. One of the students is wearing a "the Culinary Institute of America" shirt.
Two smiling individuals pose outdoors. One is giving the other a piggyback ride, both laughing. The person in the foreground is making a heart shape with their hands. They are near a brick building with green foliage in the background.
Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Values

The World’s Premier Culinary College

With campuses in New York, California, and Texas, and an additional location in Singapore, we offer master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees; certificate programs; and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. In addition, our conferences and consulting services have made us the think tank of the food industry.

Our Vision

Food is at the heart of our existence. Beyond sustenance, ​it is fundamental to cultures and deserves to be a source ​of joy for all people, families, and communities. We seek ​to better understand and promote its relationship to health, ​the environment, and a vibrant, equitable economy.​

Our Mission

The Culinary Institute of America is dedicated to bettering the nation and the world by means of outstanding education, practice, and scholarship on all aspects of food and the enterprises related to it. Through a transformative learning experience, CIA prepares future food leaders, innovators, and experts for personal and professional success.​

Our Values

CIA is a private, not-for-profit college, guided ​by the core values of Excellence, Leadership, ​Professionalism, Ethics, and Respect for Diversity.​

CIA President Michiel Bakker - Leadership Team

Meet the Administration

The Leadership Team is the College’s senior group overseeing education, student affairs, advancement, and alumni relations, and who are committed to your success as CIA students and alumni, throughout your career in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.

Black-and-white photo of two chefs in white uniforms and hats standing by a stone sign that says "387 Culinary Institute." One chef is leaning on the sign, and the other is kneeling beside it, both smiling at each other. Trees are visible in the background.

Our Story—the History of CIA

CIA Faculty - Chef holding a fish.
A group of chefs in white uniforms and tall white hats stand in a line, smiling at the camera. The front chef is an Asian man, followed by an African American woman with long braids and glasses. Other chefs can be seen in the background.
A man in a white chef's uniform is being interviewed by a woman holding a microphone. A camera operator films the conversation. The setting appears to be outdoors, and an ice sculpture with intricate designs is visible in the background.
A group of eleven diverse students smiling and hugging a large bee mascot dressed in a yellow and black costume with "CIA" on its chest. They are standing on an outdoor terrace with a river and green hills in the background.
A group of chefs and culinary students in white uniforms and tall chef hats are cooking in a professional kitchen at the CIA Hyde Park Campus. They are busy at various stovetops, stirring pots and preparing food. The kitchen is equipped with large pots, pans, and industrial appliances.

Accreditation and Recognition

In addition to being accredited through Middle States, CIA is recognized by several other organizations for our excellence in a variety of areas.

A red circular badge with white text that reads, "OpenTable Diners' Choice 2023," with artistic swirls in the background.
Circular logo for the New York State Craft Beer Competition 2022, featuring the Brewers Association emblem at the center and the words "Brewers Association," "New York State," and "The New York State Craft Beer Competition 2022" around the perimeter.
A badge-shaped graphic with a blue background and yellow borders. It reads "Best in America" at the top, "Culinary Schools" in the center, and "College Rank" at the bottom with a flame icon and laurel wreath design.
Circular badge with a dark blue border and toothed edge. The center has 'Military Friendly School' around it. Inside, there's a large 'M' with stars and the text "'23-24 Silver".

The Culinary Institute of America