Academy of Culinary Arts

The IUP Academy of Culinary Arts is the culinary school of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. It sits at the university's Punxsutawney site, 125 South Gilpin Street in Jefferson County. It is a college program for people training to cook professionally, not a place to book a one-night class.

Students choose between two associate degrees. The Culinary Arts degree covers culinary theory and technical methods, plus computer and management courses. The Baking and Pastry degree focuses on pastries, cakes, showpieces and chocolates, taught by certified executive pastry chefs. Credits can later count toward a four-year degree in hospitality management, nutrition, or family and consumer science education.

The teaching is hands-on. Chef instructors work beside students in the kitchen and mentor them one on one. Every student completes a paid externship, and the school reports 100 percent placement at sites such as The Broadmoor, The Breakers and The Biltmore. Prospective students can visit to tour the kitchens, meet faculty and talk with current students.