Culinary

5 Reasons We Think JWU’s Culinary Program Is the Best

Annie Kennedy
19 October 2021

This article was updated in August 2023 to reflect the University's latest statistics.

Many of the world’s food leaders have one thing in common: Johnson & Wales. The university has evolved with the world since 1914, and our College of Food Innovation and Technology (CFIT) offers cutting-edge facilities and hands-on experience while solidifying your understanding of the impact and importance of food on those around you.

photo of the Cuisinart Center for Culinary Excellence at JWU’s Harborside Campus

_{JWU'S CUISINARY CENTER FOR CULINARY EXCELLENCE GLEAMS WITH POTENTIAL.}

And we give our students tons of opportunity to flex their skills, whether through the Bigelow “Super Bev” Tea Challenge or the Future Food All-Stars Challenge.

But what makes JWU different from a culinary boot camp? Here are five reasons why we think JWU is the best place to pursue your culinary degree.

1. We’re great at food.

At JWU, you’ll hone both classic techniques and the latest practices from our experienced faculty and visiting distinguished chefs while networking with professional culinary organizations. While finding your passion amid our many culinary programs – including the nation’s only Baking & Pastry Arts B.S. – you’ll explore culinary systems within the contexts of political, social, and economic landscapes, understanding the impact that food has on us all and how you can contribute to its innovations and solutions. Plus, intensive JWU culinary lab experiences will provide you with professional, real-world skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and conflict resolution.

JWU Associate Professor Robert Zielinski works with students on pastry and baking arts

_{CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF ROBERT ZIELINSKI HAS LED BUDDING PASTRY DECORATING TEAMS TO CULINARY OLYMPIC MEDALS.}

2. Yet we’re so much more than food.

Our choices of 65+ undergraduate programs allow you to stretch your wings for the broadest possible perspective. While pursuing your culinary degree, you’ll work with students in health, engineering, hospitality management and more, with industry-savvy instructors to ground you in multiple disciplines. You’ll participate in a sustainable lifestyle, advocating for locally sourced food, human treatment of animals, access to all for food and water, and other ways to prepare and cook with integrity. And there’s always so much to do at JWU, too! From more than 100 universitywide student clubs/organizations to 27 varsity sports teams to constant activities and events, you’ll stay active, feel at home, and build lasting friendships and community ties.

There's more to life than the kitchen or lab, and JWU is the place to discover that!

left, a student in a plant-based culinary class; right, a farmer displaying a chicken to a visiting JWU class

_{(LEFT) A PLANT-BASED FOOD COURSE; (RIGHT) JWU CULINARY STUDENTS STUDY ORGANIC TECHNIQUES ON A FARM.}

3. Our alumni are invested in YOU.

JWU grads don’t just stay connected; they nurture the next generation. For instance, proud JWU alumnus Tyler Florence '94, '04 Hon., has met monthly with JWU Providence students as JWU’s Food Entrepreneur in Residence, helping them strengthen their culinary business plans. In Charlotte, the many alumni members of the Epicurean Scholarship Society fund culinary educations for JWU students and provide opportunities for students to create meals with celebrity chefs like Joe Kindred '02, Katie Button and David Burke.

Our alumni are busy doing amazing things, yet many make time to work with future JWU graduates and help them hone their craft.

Emeril Lagasse '78, '90 Hon. poses with JWU culinary students

_{CELEBRITY CHEF EMERIL LAGASSE '78, '90 HON. POSES WITH CULINARY STUDENTS WHILE HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR JWU.}

4. Your success means everything.

Our Career Outcomes rate is consistently higher than the national average — because our dedicated faculty and staff put so much effort into making sure YOU have the skills you need to turn your passion into a fulfilling career. JWU is a known community partner, arranging 1,457 internships a year across 43 states to help our students gain valuable work experience and get their feet in the door — and the best kitchens. (With 74.7% of those being paid internships!)

And just like being a chef can lead down many paths, from restaurants and caterers to private homes and traveling to performance opportunities, a culinary arts degree is an entry ticket to nearly endless possibilities! Caring JWU faculty and staff can help you explore becoming a food media specialist (writer, blogger, stylist or photographer); nutritionist; product developer; food and beverage entrepreneur, broker or buyer; food service or hospitality manager/owner; food educator — you'll have so many options to pursue your passions professionally.

Robert Sisca '03 and JWU students with the food they prepared together

_{RENOWNED CHEF ROBERT SISCA '03 AND JWU STUDENTS PRESENT ONE OF SEVERAL COURSES THEY CREATED TOGETHER.}

5. We have something for everyone — including you!

Your choice of vibrant campuses in either Providence, Rhode Island or Charlotte, North Carolina will keep you busy with area restaurants, parks and entertainment when you do need a break from the lab. Our student body represents 57 states and territories and 54 countries that, coupled with our more than 55 study abroad opportunities, will broaden your horizons, while interacting with peers in a multitude of other disciplines will let you hear about and experience way more than food.

If you’re looking for a fulfilling and well-rounded college experience, JWU will fit you!

JWU students smile and post with mascot Wildcat Willie at a campus event

_{STUDENTS POSE WITH JWU'S MASCOT, WILDCAT WILLIE, AT A CAMPUS EVENT.}

Need more reasons?

We have plenty! Read about why JWU is a global culinary leader to get a sense of what we do — and better yet, watch this video to experience a day in the life of a JWU culinary student!