The Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is a private, not-for-profit college dedicated to professional culinary education. Its mission is to better the nation and the world through outstanding education, practice, and scholarship across all aspects of food and related enterprises. The institution's main campus is situated in Hyde Park, New York.

The CIA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. Beyond degree programs, it provides executive education, certificate programs, and courses for culinary professionals and enthusiasts. The college maintains multiple campuses, with locations in New York, California (St. Helena and Napa), Texas (San Antonio), and Singapore.

Michiel Bakker was installed as the sixth president of The Culinary Institute of America on October 17, 2024, succeeding Dr. Tim Ryan. Bakker brings extensive leadership experience from the food and hospitality industries, including previous roles at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Google. The CIA continues to be recognized as a premier culinary college globally, focusing on developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, with recent initiatives emphasizing sustainability, health and wellness, and global cuisines. The institution also recently appointed new members to its Board of Trustees in early 2026, including Chef Spike Mendelsohn.