Culinary Schools Texas

Every day I receive emails from parents, students and people looking to change careers who want to get into the food industry and why not, it is still a thriving, growing segment of the economy. I have lots of good culinary school resources on the web site but each month I would like to focus on one individual state.

If you have a passion for food and a love for Texas, then you're in luck. Texas has a thriving culinary community and combined with its culturally diverse cities, there is a lot to learn in Texas. Last month you may have noticed I highlighted Arizona Culinary Schools; today I would like to focus on the lone star state.

If you're currently living in Texas, planning on relocating there in the future or are considering your options, I hope this post will give you some wanted insight into the state's culinary industry and what's available for you.

Why You Might Want to go to School in Texas

The largest state on the mainland, Texas contains some of the largest cities in the country. The fourth largest city in the U.S. is Houston; the seventh largest is San Antonio, while Dallas- Fort Worth and Greater Houston are the fourth and sixth largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Texas is home to a variety of geological terrains. While many people associate Texas with the arid deserts and tumbleweeds of the Southwest, most of the states populated areas are covered with grasslands, forests, mountains, swamps, prairies and coasts.

Known for its rugged cowboy image, Texas is actually an economic hub of the United States. Texas and California are tied for having the most Fortune 500 companies, leading in many industries such as agriculture, electronics and aerospace. The culture in Texas comes from a variety of influences including Mexico, the Southern United States and the Western United States.

Not to mention, Texas' high immigration rate adds to this diversity. This melting pot of culture means that there is a lot going on in Texas. Between Houston's thriving performing arts scene, Dallas-Fort Worth's art museums and Austin's live music scene, there is so much to appreciate in Texas. Austin, named "The Live Music Capitol of the World," is home to the world famous South by Southwest music festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The mean annual salary for all occupations in the state of Texas in 2009 was $41,100, with the mean annual salary for food preparation and serving occupations being $18,930.*

The state of Texas is home to many colleges and universities, most notably The University of Texas, Texas A&M, University of Houston, University of North Texas, Texas State, Texas Tech, Baylor University, Southwestern University, Rice University, Trinity University, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. In addition to these fine institutions, Texas has many top culinary, restaurant management and hospitality management schools.

Restaurant Industry in Texas

As of 2008, there were approximately 35,805 eating and drinking places, employing 996,300 people in Texas. Restaurant and foodservice jobs represent 10 percent of the state's employment. The largest areas of employment in this field are located in the Dallas, San Antonio, Houston and Austin areas. There is a projected 16.4% job growth expected by 2020 for the restaurant and foodservice industry.**

Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Schools in Texas

Culinary Academy of Austin - This popular culinary school offers a Professional Culinary Arts Diploma program and a Pastry Arts Diploma program.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Austin - Established in 2008, this branch campus of the Art Institute of Houston offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management.

Texas Culinary Academy Le Cordon Bleu Programs in Austin- Le Cordon Bleu's partnership with the Texas Culinary Academy offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, Certificate in Culinary Arts and Certificate in Patisserie & Baking.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Dallas- This well known culinary school offers a Certificate in The Art of Cooking, an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, an Associate Degree in Baking & Pastry, a Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Management, Certificate in Culinary Arts and an Associate Degree in Restaurant & Catering Management.

Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Dallas - This fine culinary institution offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts in a 60 week or 84 week program.

Remington College in Dallas - The only Remington College of the 17 campuses to offer a Culinary Arts program, the Dallas campus offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Houston - Accredited by the American Culinary Federation, this school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Restaurant & Catering Management, an Associate in Baking & Pastry, an Associate in Culinary Arts, a Bachelor's in Food & Beverage Management, a Bachelor's in Culinary Management and a Diploma in Culinary Arts.

Culinary Institute Alain & Marie LeNotre in Houston - This culinary institution founded by the LeNotre family with decades of culinary experience offers a variety of programs. These include: An Associate in Culinary Arts, an Associate in Baking & Pastry, a Diploma in Sous Chef de Cuisine, a Diploma in Sous Chef de Patisserie, a Diploma in Culinary Arts Specialty in Cuisine, and a Diploma in Culinary Arts Specialty in Baking & Pastry.

DeVry University of Houston, Houston/Galleria, Austin, Forth Worth and Irving - The Keller Graduate School of Management offers a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management, intended for those who have completed their Bachelor's degree.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institutes Online - The Art Institutes offer online culinary degrees including: Bachelor's in Culinary Management and a Bachelor's in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Sullivan University Online - Sullivan University Online offers two Bachelor's programs in Hospitality Management.

*According to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) May 2009"¨** According to the National Restaurant Association