By BCS Staff
February 2021
Indiana has a strong restaurant and foodservice industry. There are 311,400 jobs in restaurants and food service in the state with another 31,000 expected by 2029. A formal education in the culinary arts can make a job applicant stand out and get noticed, landing a great job in an exciting field.
We put together a list of the top 10 best culinary schools in Indiana. Schools featured in our list offer professional development opportunities, hands-on instruction, modern culinary facilities, and have a positive reputation in the industry. Many of the programs on our list are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, an indication of a quality culinary program.
#10. Purdue University
West Lafayette
Prestigious Purdue University offers a bachelor’s degree in Food Science. The degree is ideal for a chef who wants to improve their knowledge base, or for a student interested in more than technique. Purdue’s curriculum combines microbiology, biochemistry, and the culinary arts in order to teach students the ways in which they can improve taste, nutrition, and value of food.
#9. Ball State University
Muncie
Ball State University offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Food Management. The 120-credit degree program combines courses in business, food management, and hospitality. Students may then tailor their degree via a large selection of electives. Students who choose the B.S. track must also complete a minor, the options for which include Marketing and Travel and Tourism.
#8. Indiana University
Bloomington
Indiana University offers a certificate in Food Studies. The certificate program consists of 24 credits, including courses such as The Science of Food, Ecological Landscaping, and Edible Education. Two internships — one indoor and one outdoor — are also required to complete the program. This program is ideal for anyone interested in boosting their knowledge base, or pursuing a career in food education or nutrition.
#7. Ivy Tech Community College
East Chicago
Ivy Tech Community Colleges are located throughout the state of Indiana, and each offers an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Administration. Students may tailor their degree by concentrating in one of six culinary options, including Culinary Arts. In fact, those who choose to do so may then choose to continue their education by earning a B.S. Degree in Hospitality Management Ball State University, thanks to an articulation agreement between the two schools. Regardless, Ivy Tech prepares students to work and find success in the hospitality and/or culinary industries.
#6. Ivy Tech Community College
Michigan City
Another of the Ivy Tech Community Colleges at which students can pursue a degree is Michigan City. Ivy Tech in Michigan City offers an A.A.S. degree in Hospitality Administration. Students then customize their degree program by focusing in one of six culinary options, including Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, and Restaurant Management, among others. Those who choose to focus in Culinary Arts may then choose to continue their education by earning a B.S. Degree in Hospitality Management Ball State University, thanks to an articulation agreement between the two schools.
#5. Ivy Tech Community College
Bloomington
Ivy Tech Community College is a top accredited culinary school offering certification and degree options in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, and Hospitality Management. Concentrations are available in Restaurant Management, Hotel Management, Event Management, and Beverage Management. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation and the Culinary Arts concentration has earned exemplary status. Culinary labs are designed to mirror real-world commercial kitchens so students get familiar with the equipment they will use out in the workforce. Students gain work experience by serving lunch on Wednesdays at the Yellowwood Restaurant, located on campus. The program is affordable, costing as little as 1/4 of what other schools in the region would charge for a similar education.
#4. Ivy Tech Community College Northeast
Fort Wayne
Like the other branches of Ivy Tech Community College, Ivy Tech Northeast in Fort Wayne offers an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Administration. Students may tailor their degree by concentrating in one of six culinary options. These include Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, and Restaurant Management, among others. Those who choose to specialize in Culinary Arts may then choose to continue their education by earning a B.S. Degree in Hospitality Management Ball State University, thanks to an articulation agreement between the two schools.
#3. Ivy Tech Community College Central
Indianapolis
Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis offers an AAS in Hospitality Administration with several different concentration options including Basking and Pastry Arts, Beverage Management, Culinary Arts, Event Management, Hotel Management, and Restaurant Management. Students who graduate in the Indianapolis area have excellent employment opportunities through the vast array of restaurants and the Indianapolis Convention Center located in town. Culinary Arts Specialty students who want to continue their education by earning a BS Degree in Hospitality Management will benefit from an articulation agreement with Ball State University.
#2. Ivy Tech Community College North Central
South Bend
Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend offers an AAS in Hospitality Administration. Students may choose to concentrate in Basking and Pastry Arts, Beverage Management, Culinary Arts, Event Management, Hotel Management, or Restaurant Management. Those who graduate in the South Bend area have excellent employment opportunities through the vast array of local restaurants and college connections. Culinary Arts Specialty students who want to continue their education by earning a BS Degree in Hospitality Management will benefit from an articulation agreement with Ball State University.
#1. Vincennes University
Indianapolis
Vincennes University is a top culinary school featuring both degree and certificate programs in the culinary arts. Students work in a kitchen lab during each semester of the program, and complete their degree by participating in a full-service dining experience where they prepare and serve a meal to guests. Graduates have found employment in all levels of the career ladder by companies such as the Hyatt Regency and the Sands Casino in Atlantic City.
Related Rankings:
50 Best Culinary Schools in the US
Top 10 Best Culinary Schools in Kentucky
Top 10 Best Culinary Schools in Michigan
