Get the Skills to Become a Culinary Arts Professional in Miami

9-Month* Hands-On Training for Real-World Kitchen Careers

Campus
Coral Gables
Length
9 Months*
Education Level
Diploma

Supportive Training That Fits Your Life

Have you ever thought about a career in the culinary field? Do you enjoy the idea of people experiencing and enjoying your food creations? Now is the time to take the next step toward your culinary future. In just months, you can complete the Culinary Arts Program and begin working toward your goals in Miami’s vibrant food scene.

The Culinary Arts Diploma Program at Florida Education Institute provides students with a strong foundation in the skills and techniques needed for entry-level roles in restaurant and food-service environments. Training includes knife skills, kitchen production, mise en place, safety and sanitation, menu and flavor development, stocks and sauces, plate presentation, basic baking and pastry techniques, inventory, beverage services, and front-of-house operations.

Students learn through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on lab practice in both kitchen and restaurant settings. Throughout the program, students rotate through all kitchen stations and gain real-world experience in the student-driven restaurant while working under the guidance of an Executive Chef or Sous Chef (Chef-Instructor).

Council on Occupational EducationWelcome to the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) logoCareerSource South Florida logo

Gain the Skills for Success in Culinary Arts

Designed for those who want to build real kitchen skills, this program focuses on the techniques and experience used in professional culinary environments. By combining foundational cooking methods with hands-on practice and a strong emphasis on Latin culinary traditions, the Culinary Arts Diploma goes beyond learning recipes. It prepares learners for entry-level roles in restaurants and food service settings while building the discipline, confidence, and work habits essential in professional kitchens.

Skills You Will Learn

Culinary Foundations: Knife skills, kitchen organization, food safety and sanitation, and classic cooking methods
Cooking Techniques & Flavor: Stocks and sauces, protein and vegetable preparation, seasoning, and flavor development
Global & Contemporary Cuisine: Exposure to international cuisines, with a strong emphasis on Latin traditions and flavors
Baking & Food Service Essentials: Basic pastry techniques, presentation, beverage service, and front-of-house 

Our Learning Approach

  • Applied Learning Focus: Practice culinary techniques through hands-on kitchen and restaurant-based instruction
  • Hands-On Experience: Learn through repetition, demonstration, and supervised lab work
  • Real-World Environment: Train in student-driven kitchen and restaurant settings that reflect professional operations
  • Instructor Guidance: Learn alongside experienced chef-instructors who support skill development

Key Program Objectives

  • Prepare for entry-level work in restaurants and culinary or food service environments
  • Develop classic cooking techniques and knife skills through practice and repetition
  • Gain exposure to international cuisines, pastry basics, and food service operations
  • Build professionalism with an emphasis on sanitation, safety, teamwork, and work ethic

Is a Career in Culinary Arts Right for You?

Take the FEI Culinary Arts Career Readiness Quiz
The fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

What Can You Do with a Culinary Arts Diploma?

Careers to Explore
Graduates of the Culinary Arts Diploma are prepared for a range of entry-level roles in food preparation and service, where hands-on kitchen skills and a strong work ethic are essential.

With this diploma, you might find work in settings such as:
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Hotels, resorts, and catering operations
  • Institutional foodservice (schools, hospitals, clubs)
  • Bakery or pastry kitchens
  • Food and beverage support roles in hospitality environments
High Demand for Chefs and Head Cooks
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow about 7%** from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This continued growth reflects ongoing demand for skilled culinary professionals in restaurants, hospitality venues, and foodservice operations nationwide.
Male chef in white uniform and black cap cooking vegetables in professional kitchen

Get Program Details

Click the button below to request details about our Culinary Arts Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

Get Certified in Culinary Arts & Stand Out to Employers

Graduate from FEI with your Culinary Arts Diploma and a clear path forward.
Our program is fully accredited by:
Council on Occupational Education

Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities

At FEI, we're committed to making education affordable. Our team works with you to explore funding options that fit your situation, including scholarships and federal financial aid for those who qualify.

Federal Financial Aid

FEI's programs are eligible for Federal Financial Aid for qualifying students. This funding could include: 
  • Federal Pell Grants 
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
  • Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
  • Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students
  • Veteran's Affairs VA Training
  • Other Sources of Assistance and Institutional Loans

For more information about these options, view our Financial Aid Page.

High School Student Scholarship

The FEI High School Scholarship is available to high school seniors interested in pursuing their education at FEI. 4 annual scholarships of $2,500 each (two awarded in winter, two in fall).

 

For more information and requirements, view our Scholarships page.

The Luis Alvarez CPA Scholarship Award

Established in memory of Luis Alvarez, CPA, FEI's accountant from our founding until 2009. Mr. Alvarez believed in the human spirit and built his practice on sincere hard work and friendship. 

 

For more information, view our Scholarships page.

Why Study Culinary Arts with FEI

1

Career Focused Training

Our programs are specifically designed to teach you skills that employers are seeking. Through our curriculum, our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared, and capable as you start a career.
2

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

Many programs include hands-on labs or a supervised externship arranged by FEI. This experience enables you to apply your training in real-world workplace settings and gain insights into the day-to-day routines of your future career.
3

Personalized Support

At FEI, you're never just a number. Instructors and staff get to know you, understand your goals, and guide you through the process step by step. Whether you are new to school or returning, you will have people in your corner who want to see you succeed.
4

Instructors with Real-World Experience

You will learn from instructors who have worked in the careers they teach. They bring industry insight and supportive guidance to help you understand how what you learn in the classroom connects to real-life scenarios.
5

Established Programs with Accreditation

Florida Education Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which reflects the school’s commitment to quality training, student support, and strong learning standards.

Get Program Details

Click the button below to request details about our Culinary Arts Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

Courses

Some of the courses of this program include: 
  • 01
    CUF 1010 Culinary Foundations
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 02
    CUL 1040 Culinary Techniques & Flavoring
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 03
    CUL 3001 Culinary Nutrition
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 04
    CUL 1032 Garde Manger
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 05
    CUL 1033 Food Service Entrepreneurship
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 06
    CUL 1023 Sustainable Culinary Production
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 07
    CUL 1035 Food, Wine and Beverage Management
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 08
    CUL 1043 Culinary Operations Systems
    60 Clock Hours, 5.0 Credit Hours
  • 09
    PBA 1011 Pastry and Baking Techniques
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 10
    CUL 2050 Professional Cooking
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 11
    CUL 2045 Modern Cuisine
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 12
    CUL 1030 International Cuisine
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 13
    CUL 1040 Culinary Techniques & Flavoring
    60 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours

FAQs

The Culinary Arts Program at Florida Education Institute offers a unique curriculum influenced by the vibrant local culture. The program goes beyond international culinary fundamentals from countries like France and Italy to include a strong Latin Twist. Located in the heart of Miami's Calle Ocho, the program embraces and is influenced by Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. This focus equips students with versatility and skills highly sought after in South Florida's diverse and thriving hospitality industry.

Explore Program Details

The diploma program covers a wide range of essential skills, starting with the fundamentals of using kitchen tools, knife skills, and developing basic cooking techniques. Core coursework includes: Culinary Foundations, Latin Cuisine, International Cuisine, Pastry and Baking Fundamentals, and Food Safety and Sanitation. Students receive hands-on training in professional kitchens, focusing on classic culinary methods, stock preparation, sauce and soup preparation, and plate presentation.

Discover Courses

Graduates of the Culinary Arts Program may qualify for diverse employment opportunities across the hospitality sector. Potential roles include: Chef, Sous Chef, Assistant Chef, Prep Cook, and Line Cook in various venues. Graduates may find opportunities working for restaurants, hotels, food service companies, and catering businesses throughout the Miami area.

Explore Career Opportunities

Students train in professional kitchen settings that mirror the pace and precision of real-world restaurants. The learning approach at FEI is hands-on, ensuring students learn by doing. They are taught by experienced chef-instructors and begin with the fundamentals before advancing to complex techniques like menu planning, station organization, and beverage technology. The goal is to provide real-world experience and instill essential skills such as speed, agility, and teamwork.

Schedule Campus Visit

Florida Education Institute is committed to serving a diverse student body, including working adults, those with family responsibilities, and individuals from varied age groups. The Institute makes students feel like a priority by offering personal attention and supportive advising. Class schedules are often flexible, designed to accommodate students balancing their education with other life commitments.

Connect with Admissions

What Our Graduates Say

They helped me throughout the whole program...
I'm very happy to finish my goal. The staff and teachers are all very nice! Maria and Mrs. Capetillo are the best! They helped me throughout the whole program. Overall, the atmosphere is nice and everyone is professional.
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Ana Martinez
The staff is very professional, caring and knowledgeable...
My experience at FEI has been overall very positive. I found a flexible schedule and all needed adjustments to get my Billing and Coding Certificate. The staff is very professional, caring and knowledgeable; from the Admissions Director Ana Socarras, Maria the front desk lady, to great professors such as Juan Carlos Garcia and Heidi Capetillo. I'm enjoying each class, learning and confirming my vocation every single day. Thanks FEI.
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Vanessa Perez Bocourt
Everyone inspires you and helps you reach your goal...
Great school! Everyone inspires you and helps you reach your goal. Super neat school and administrators very kind friendly and respectful. The teachers are awesome especially the MA teacher best teacher ever! FEI Is the BEST! (: highly recommend it to anyone that’s willing to succeed in life won’t regret it what so ever.
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Noemi Portobanco
They really do care for their students...
Very impressed with this school, it’s faculty and the administration. They really do care for their students. They will work with you and help you every step of the way. You will never feel alone while attending this school. They have great job placement which is very helpful in reaching your career goals. I highly recommend this school.
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LM Lopez
I can confidently say this place is a game-changer for anyone serious about their future...
As someone who’s seen the inner workings of Florida Education Institute up close, I can confidently say this place is a game-changer for anyone serious about their future. The professionalism here is top-notch—every staff member is genuinely invested in student success, offering unwavering support from day one. What sets FEI apart is their dedication to not just teaching, but preparing students for real careers, with a rock-solid commitment to job placement after graduation. The active learning approach is a breath of fresh air—fun, engaging, and designed to motivate students to dive into their chosen fields with confidence. Whether it’s the cutting-edge culinary program or their stellar medical degrees, FEI delivers quality education that inspires. Proud to be part of this community—it’s the real deal!
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Manuel Castillo
...it was the best decision I've made for myself...
I'm so glad I came to FEI i did the Medical Assistant program and it was the best decision I've made for myself, the teacher was so wonderful and ready to help all her students. And the staff is always there to help with anything the students need. And the job placement department is one of the best. I highly recomend this school to anyone who's looking to start or better their life. Thank u FEI.
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Enrique Quinteo

Is a Rewarding Career in Culinary Arts Right For You?

If you’re interested in learning more about Culinary Arts careers and exploring whether FEI is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable Admission Advisors are happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from courses to financial aid.
For immediate questions, call