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Programs in Culinary Arts |
August 26, 2002 - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
has received approval from the State of Pennsylvania Department of Education
and The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
to introduce a bachelor's degree program in Culinary Management and an
associate's degree program in Culinary Arts. The Art Institute will begin
enrollment in the new programs on October 7, 2002.
 A
$1.75 million construction project is nearing completion on The Art Institute's
ninth floor. Three new skills (baking, a la carte and garde manger) kitchens
will occupy 10,000 square feet on the ninth floor of the school's historic
landmark building at 420 Boulevard of the Allies.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh will establish its culinary program with the guidance of 16 other schools with culinary offerings that are part of The Art Institutes system of 24 schools nationwide. "The Art Institutes system of schools has been offering culinary programs for 10 years," said Art Institute of Pittsburgh President George L. Pry. "We believe that we can draw from the success and experience of our national network to bring a very high quality program to the Pittsburgh region." The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32 percent growth in the culinary field by 2005 with job openings projected to remain plentiful through 2008. "Our research indicates that employers are looking for a more qualified graduate," said Pry. "We think offering advanced academic degrees will not only give our students the hands-on skills they need but will also give them the advantage of more management-level training." The Art Institutes system of schools reported that in 2000, 97.2 percent of all culinary graduates were working in a program related position within six months of graduation at an average starting salary of $25,752. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh's new culinary programs will operate under the guidance of a professional Program Advisory Committee, comprised of industry professionals who will carefully evaluate curriculum, industry trends and employment issues. "I'm excited about being involved in developing the new culinary program at The Art Institute," said Program Advisory Committee member Bill Fuller who is Executive Chef at The big Burrito Restaurant Group, which operates Pittsburgh-based eateries such as Mad Mex, Kaya, Casbah, Soba, Umi and Fresh Innovative Catering. "Pittsburgh will continue its growth in the culinary industry, and I think The Art Institute will generate more excited, young people that want to excel to make Pittsburgh an excellent dining destination." Chef Don Winkie, of The Tuscan Inn, in Allison Park will also offer program guidance for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. "The culinary field is rapidly expanding, and I believe the degree in Culinary Arts is as essential as experience," said Winkie. "I look forward to sharing my knowledge as a professional chef for the benefit of what promises to be the best option available for serious students." The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers bachelor's degree programs in Culinary Management, Media Arts & Animation, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Digital Media Production, Multimedia & Web Design and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics. Associate's degree programs are also offered in Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Multimedia & Web Design, Photography and Video Production. Twelve-month diploma programs are available in Digital Design, Residential Design, and Web Design. Game Art & Design, Graphic Design and Multimedia & Web Design programs are available online through The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. The Art Institute is accredited by The Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The Art Institute of Pittsburgh also offers customized workforce training and non-degree professional development courses. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is one of The Art Institutes, a system of 24 education institutions located nationwide, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The parent company of The Art Institutes, Education Management Corporation, is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America, with 40 primary campus locations in 26 major cities, and with approximately 39,000 students as of fall 2001. EDMC's education institutions offer doctoral, master's, bachelor's, associate's and non-degree programs concentrated in the creative and visual arts, the behavioral sciences and education fields, providing career-oriented academic programs for 40 years, and its education institutions have more than 135,000 alumni. |
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Carrie Marches Butler The Art Institute of Pittsburgh +1-412-291-6340 http://www.artinstitutes.edu |
| Also See: | Hotel Sales and Marketing Professionals Turnover Double that of Other Industries / HSMAI Foundation / Aug 2002 |