If you’re passionate about food and cooking and you want to turn your passion into a rewarding career, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best culinary and pastry schools in West Virginia.
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 West Virginia was $58,260 as of May 2023- higher than the national average for this profession, while bakers reportedly made $31,220 per year, on average.
As more restaurants and dining places are expected to open, the demand for high-quality dishes will grow.
Both professions are expected to grow in the future.
Employment for chefs and head cooks across the United States is projected to grow 7 percent by 2034.
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 on our list.
#1West Virginia University- Institute of Technology
About the School
West Virginia University- Institute of Technology offers a Hospitality (Culinary) program that covers a variety of topics, including cooking essentials, meal prep, menu analysis, inventory, budgeting, and more.
The program includes courses in hospitality, business management, and accounting.
Students experience top-notch culinary training in WVU Tech’s state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
They have access to specialized tools for smoking, sous vide preparation, gelato making, and ice carving.
The program also includes a hands-on internship at a regional business.
To graduate, students must complete at least 60 credit hours of required coursework.
They will be able to:
- Apply appropriate techniques in food preparation, sanitation, and safety measures
- Model professionalism and leadership in current practices
- Communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral forms
- Apply critical thinking skills to solve industry challenges
Contact Information
- Address: 410 Neville Street, Beckley, West Virginia 25801
- Phone: (304) 929-8324
- Website: https://www.wvutech.edu
#2Northern Community College
About the School
Northern Community College offers a Culinary Arts program accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
The program is designed to meet the demands for well-trained food service personnel with an emphasis on basic techniques of commercial food preparation.
Students are exposed to food preparation as well as nutrition, sanitation, menu planning, and personnel management.
Laboratory classes emphasize hands-on experience, building a solid foundation of basic cooking skills.
The program provides students with the opportunity to meet the requirements for certification by the American Culinary Federation.
The Associate in Applied Science program leads to an A.A.S. and is available at the Wheeling campus.
Contact Information
- Address: 1704 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
- Phone: 304-233-5900
- Website: https://www.wvncc.edu
#3Mouthwest Community and Technical College
About the School
Mouthwest Community and Technical College offers a Culinary Arts program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science.
Students need 60 credits and can complete the program in two years.
A one-year certificate that requires 35 credit hours is also available.
Courses Offered
Learning outcomes include:
- Developing and following standardized processes and procedures for operation in a kitchen
- Applying classical and modern cooking techniques
- Demonstrating proper knife care
- Demonstrating proficiency in basic culinary weights
- Designing and preparing a well-composed dinner plate
- Creating a catering menu and event
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: One Mountwest Way, Huntington, WV 25701
- Phone: 304-710-3140
- Website: https://www.mctc.edu
#4Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
About the School
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers a Culinary Arts Certificate program that prepares students to enter the Food Service industry.
The certificate program offers students a well-rounded practical and academic training to learn real-time classical cooking techniques and skills.
The program allows students to:
- execute new-age cooking methods through practical lab experiences
- learn about food safety, sanitation, and nutrition standards
- advance an existing career
- earn credits to be used toward a future degree program
The one-year program includes 30 credits
The curriculum includes:
- Accurate measuring and portioning
- Following standardized recipes and procedures
- Identifying ingredients and executing cooking methods
- Learning safe handling and operating kitchen equipment
Contact Information
- Address: Main Campus, 13650 Apple Harvest Dr., Martinsburg, WV 25403
- Phone: 304.260.4380 ext. 2000 (Admissions)
- Website: https://www.blueridgectc.edu
#5Pierpont Community & Technical College
About the School
Pierpont Community & Technical College offers a Culinary Academy with two state-of-the-art kitchen facilities where students receive the hands-on training they need to become great chefs.
The Culinary C.A.S. available at the college prepares students for entry-level positions in Culinary Arts.
It also provides a separate degree option for students who complete another business or food service management degree specialization.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following required courses:
- Fundamentals of Food
- Basic Baking
- Garde Manger
- Food Service Organization and Management
- Food Selection and Preparation
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Galliher Dr., Fairmont, WV 26554
- Phone: 304-367-4907
- Website: https://catalog.pierpont.edu
#6Greenbrier Culinary Apprenticeship program
About the School
The Greenbrier Culinary Apprenticeship program offers world-class education and training and has molded and mentored some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and culinary leaders.
Application requirements include:
- Two letters of recommendation
- A written essay detailing why you should be selected
- Resume
- Working interview at The Greenbrier.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- An associate degree or higher from an accredited culinary school
- Five years of experience in a fine dining restaurant or resort comparable to The Greenbrier
Contact Information
- Address: 101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
- Phone: 855-453-4858
- Website: https://www.greenbrier.com
#7Fruits of Labor
About the School
Fruits of Labor offers a nationally certified Farm-to-Table Agricultural training program.
The program trains adults across the state of West Virginia who are recovering from substance use disorder, as well as offers prevention programs to youth across West Virginia.
Students spend between eight weeks and two years at the school.
They experience the complete cycle of food production: selection, planting, care, harvest, storage, and consumption.
Afterward, they are challenged to develop recipes using seasonal produce from the farm.
The school offers training in the culinary and agricultural industries with an emphasis on the farm-to-table movement to increase job opportunities for youth in underestimated communities and adults participating in court systems.
This is done at no cost to the student.
Contact Information
- Website: https://www.fruitsoflaborinc.com
#8Bauman College
About the School
Bauman College offers a Holistic Chef program that can be completed online.
The program helps students become professional holistic chefs in 12 months.
The program teaches students the skills to prepare fresh, nutritious, and delicious foods using sustainable ingredients and practices.
Courses Offered
The program combines professional culinary techniques with a nutrition-centered approach to food preparation.
Students also learn the business skills they need to advance their careers.
The curriculum and culinary classes include entrepreneurial lessons that give students the tools to succeed as professional chefs.
The college offers its students the opportunity to work in a real-world environment in their home region and prepare them to enter the workforce after completing the Holistic Chef program.
The program is available completely online for residents across West Virginia.
Contact Information
- Address: 5900 Doyle Street, Emeryville, CA 94608
- Phone: (800) 987-7530
- Website: https://baumancollege.org
#9Huntington's Kitchen
About the School
Huntington’s Kitchen is a place to learn, eat, and enjoy life.
Classroom, event activities, and other outreach opportunities are available to the community.
Students learn from a veteran of 20 years of teaching culinary arts.
The cooking classes provide valuable techniques and insights into different cuisines, traditions, and perspectives.
Novice cooks have the opportunity to learn basic skills in a supportive environment.
Cooks and aspiring chefs have the opportunity to refine their talents and expand their culinary horizons.
Besides teaching practical skills, Huntington’s Kitchen classes promote healthy eating habits and sustainable food practices.
Contact Information
- Address: 911 Third Ave. Huntington, WV 25701
- Phone: 304.399.4685
- Website: https://huntingtonskitchen.mhnfoundations.org
#10Escoffier
About the School
An online program is provided by Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, a school that offers a business-focused curriculum with programs that may include topics in business and entrepreneurship.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The following paths are available:
- Culinary Arts
- Plant-Based Culinary Arts
- Baking & Pastry Arts
- Holistic Nutrition & Wellness
- Food Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management
Escoffier offers an online Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts.
The programs provide students with a basic understanding of culinary techniques and practical business skills that can set them apart from their peers.
Students can complete their training in 60 weeks.
The online culinary arts programs are designed to work with students’ schedules.
An online diploma in Professional Pastry Arts and an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Baking & Pastry are also available.
Diploma courses include:
- Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry
- Menu Design and Management
- Contemporary Pastry Arts
- Foundations of Bread
- Foodservice Management
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 637 South Broadway, Suite H, Boulder, CO 80305
- Phone: 877-249-0305
- Website: https://www.escoffier.edu
Schools Summary Table
Culinary & Pastry Average Salary in West Virginia
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$38K
|
|
|
$65K
|
|
|
$105K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in West Virginia
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 30 | $61,060 | $29.36 | $87,550 | $38,490 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 70 | $59,260 | $28.49 | $96,830 | $28,180 |
| Morgantown, WV | 60 | $79,100 | $38.03 | $109,410 | $36,070 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 30 | $53,450 | $25.70 | $87,340 | $33,340 |
* 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 West Virginia, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your learning style and career aspirations.
