If you’re a Mississippi resident who’s passionate about food and cooking and wants to turn this passion into a rewarding career, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best culinary and pastry schools in your state.
The schools included in our list offer hands-on training, certificate programs, and associate degrees, preparing students for careers as station chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers, catering managers, and other food service specialist roles.
The programs focus on teaching skills such as: food preparation, culinary safety and sanitation, baking principles, contemporary cuisine, and more.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by chefs and sous chefs in Mississippi was $51,830 as of May 2023, while bakers reportedly made $31,660 per year, on average.
Employment for chefs and head cooks across the United States is projected to grow 7 percent by 2034.
As more restaurants and dining places are expected to open, the demand for high-quality dishes will grow.
Employment for bakers in the United States is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
You can start preparing for employment in the culinary or baking field by completing a certificate or degree program offered by one of the schools in our list.
So take a look at the information on this page to find out more about the available options.
#1East Mississippi Community College
East Mississippi Community College focuses on quality education and provides a supportive learning environment, diverse programs, and a dedicated faculty.
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts program provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking through exposure to classical, American, and international cuisines, as well as the art of baking and pastries.
The course places a special emphasis on culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and specialty ingredients.
The Culinary Arts Technology program includes hands-on lab instruction by a chef instructor at Lion Hills Center in Columbus.
Students have the option of earning a one-year certificate in Culinary Arts: Food Preparation option that may be awarded after the successful completion of the courses listed in the certificate sequence.
A two-year degree in Culinary Arts may be awarded after successful completion of the courses listed in the degree sequence.
Contact Information
- Address: 1512 Kemper St., Scooba, MS 39358
- Phone: 662.476.5000
- Website: https://www.eastms.edu
#2Mississippi Delta Community College
About the School
Mississippi Delta Community College offers a Culinary Arts Technology program that provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking through exposure to classical, American, and international cuisine, as well as the art of baking and pastries.
The course emphasizes culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and specialty ingredients.
This program includes, at its core, hands-on instruction by a chef instructor in a commercial kitchen.
The following degree options are available:
- Technical Certificate
- Advance Technical Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science
The Technical Certificate includes courses such as:
- Menu Planning & Facilities Design
- Culinary Principles
- Sanitation & Safety
- Restaurant & Catering Operations
- Garde Manger
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 668, Hwy 3 & Cherry St., Moorhead, MS 38761
- Phone: 662-246-MDCC
- Website: https://www.msdelta.edu
#3Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
About the School
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers a Culinary Arts Technology program.
This program provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking through exposure to classical, American, and international cuisines, as well as the art of baking and pastries.
Special emphasis is placed on culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and specialty ingredients.
The heart of this program is hands-on lab instruction by a chef instructor in a commercial kitchen.
Graduates are eligible to obtain ServSafe Sanitation certification from the National Restaurant Association and are given the distinction of ACF Certified Culinarian.
The program leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is preparatory for employment upon graduation from MGCCC.
Those who want to transfer to a four-year college or university can schedule a conference with an MGCCC advisor.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Culinary Principles
- Principles of Baking
- Introduction to Culinary Arts
- Sanitation and Safety
- Menu Planning
- International Cuisine
- Restaurant and Catering Operations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573, United States
- Phone: 601-928-5211
- Website: https://mgccc.edu
#4Mississippi State University
About the School
Mississippi State University offers Career and Technical education that equips students with the skills needed to secure high-wage, high-demand, high-skill careers.
Mississippi State University offers a Culinary Arts program that can be completed in two years.
The first-year curriculum includes the following courses:
- Orientation to Culinary Arts
- Theory and Application of Culinary Arts
- Advanced Studies in Culinary Arts
Students learn about food safety basics, safety in the workplace, equipment, techniques, bake shop basics, advanced food safety, culinary business principles, and many other topics.
Second-year students take classes on topics such as ServSafe Food Handler, equipment and techniques, introduction to baking, fruits and vegetables, potatoes and grains, nutrition, breakfast foods, meat, poultry, and seafood, desserts and baked goods, culinary business principles, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 103 Russell Street, Starkville, MS 39759
- Phone: (662) 325-2510
- Website: https://www.rcu.msstate.edu
#5Hinds Community College
About the College
Hinds Community College offers several pathways designed for students who plan to transfer to a university or start a new career.
The career and technical programs offer multiple degree and certificate options, each one training students for high-wage, high-skilled, and high-demand jobs.
More than 65 career and technical programs and more than 20 different academic areas of study.
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts Technology program at Hinds Community College provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking through exposure to classical, American, and international cuisine, as well as the art of baking and pastries.
The program emphasizes culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and specialty ingredients.
The program includes hands-on lab instruction by a chef instructor in a commercial kitchen.
The following degrees/certificates are available:
- Associate of Applied Science: 62-64 hours
- Career Certificate: 32 hours
- Technical Certificate: 47 hours
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154
- Phone: 800-HINDSCC
- Website: https://www.hindscc.edu
#6East Central Community College
About the School
East Central Community College offers a Culinary Arts Technology program that provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking.
Students are exposed to Classical American and International Cuisines, as well as the art of Baking and Pastry.
The program emphasizes culinary tools, equipment, skills, and specialty ingredients.
The following degree options are available:
- 30-hour Career Certificate- a program that includes basic classes to perform entry-level skills
- 45-hour Technical Certificate- advanced coursework needed to provide the above entry-level skills
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
While earning a degree, students have the option to earn certifications through the National Restaurant Association’s ManageFirst Program in Nutrition, HR, Purchasing, Marketing, Supervision, and Management; ServSafe Food Manager five-year license; and through S/P2 in Workplace Safety, Food Safety, Interview Skills & Resume Writing, Team Building, and much more.
Contact Information
- Address: 15738 Hwy 15 South, P.O. Box 129, Decatur, Mississippi 39327
- Phone: 877-GO-2-ECCC
- Website: https://www.eccc.edu
#7Meridian Community College
About the School
Meridian Community College offers a Culinary Arts Technology program that provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking through exposure to classical, American, and international cuisines.
The program also teaches the art of baking and pastries.
The curriculum emphasizes culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and specialty ingredients.
Courses Offered
Students take classes such as:
- Introduction to Culinary Arts
- Culinary Principles I
- Sanitation and Safety
- Principles of Baking
- Menu Planning
- Hospitality Supervision
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 910 Highway 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307
- Phone: 601.483.8241
- Website: https://meridiancc.edu
#8Jones College
About the School
Jones College offers a Culinary Arts program that can be completed in two or four semesters, depending on the credential you want to obtain.
The following degrees are offered:
- Certificate
- Associate in Applied Science
Students who complete the four-semester curriculum are trained in various production and management areas of food service operation.
Those who complete the two-semester certificate program can specialize in production.
The Career Certificate includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Culinary Arts
- Sanitation and Safety
- Dining Room Management
- Culinary Principles
- Principles of Baking
- Menu Planning and Facilities Design
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437
- Phone: (601) 477-4000
- Website: https://www.jcjc.edu
#9Coahoma Community College
About the School
Coahoma Community College offers a Culinary Arts program that provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking.
Students are exposed to classical, American, and international cuisine, as well as the art of baking and pastries.
The program emphasizes culinary tools, equipment, techniques, and special ingredients.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the curriculum:
- Culinary Principles
- Introduction to Culinary Arts
- Sanitation and Safety
- Principles of Baking
- Menu Planning
- Dining Room Management
- International Cuisine
- And more
The following credential options are available:
- College Credit Certificate
- Technical Certificate
- Advanced Technical Certificate
- A.A.S. Degree
Contact Information
- Address: 3240 Friars Point Rd. Clarksdale, MS 38614 USA
- Phone: (662) 627-2571
- Website: https://www.coahomacc.edu
#10Holmes Community College
About the School
Holmes Community College offers a Hospitality and Tourism Technology program that consists of hands-on instruction by chef instructors in a commercial kitchen.
The Culinary Arts Technology pathway provides a solid foundation in the methods and science of cooking.
Students are exposed to American and international cuisine as well as baking and pastries.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Culinary Principles
- Principles of Baking
- Sanitation and Safety
- Smart Start Pathway
- Garde Manger
- Menu Planning
- American Regional Cuisine
- And more
After two semesters of training, students may earn a Technical Certificate.
After three semesters, students may earn an Advanced Technical Certificate.
The four-semester program leads to an AAS degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Hill Street, Goodman, MS 39079
- Phone: (662) 472-2312
- Website: https://holmescc.edu
Schools Summary Table
Culinary & Pastry Average Salary in Mississippi
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$28K
|
|
|
$50K
|
|
|
$80K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in Mississippi
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | 260 | $51,210 | $24.62 | $81,670 | $29,390 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 40 | $45,870 | $22.05 | $79,630 | $25,900 |
| Jackson, MS | 160 | $53,810 | $25.87 | $90,210 | $28,020 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Before being ready for employment in a restaurant or another establishment that serves food, you have to complete a program that teaches you the required skills for this profession.
Now that you have read our selection of the best culinary and baking schools in Mississippi, the next step is to continue researching and apply for the program that best fits your learning style and career aspirations.
