CIA Turbo Option

Get College Credit for Work Experience in Food

Earn your CIA degree in as little as 15 months with this accelerated culinary or baking degree program option.

Great news! Your time in the food industry may qualify you for college transfer credits for your work experience that can enable CIA to waive your internship semester. That means you could earn your CIA degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts faster! If you have full-time, hands-on work experience in professional kitchens that features progressive levels of responsibility, CIA’s Turbo Option is for you.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

  • At least two and a half years of post-high school, full-time foodservice experience
  • Demonstrated skill and achievement in a professional kitchen

Here’s how to apply:

  1. Choose your campus—New York, California, or Texas.
  2. Submit your CIA application for admission.
  3. Complete the “” form, where you can upload your:
    • ¸éĂ©˛őłÜłľĂ©
    • Additional professional letter of recommendation
    • Supporting information that demonstrates your experience—e.g., menus, photos, and/or links to social media sites like LinkedIn
  4. Interview with a CIA representative, as requested.

You can submit your application for CIA’s Turbo Option internship waiver any time prior to, or before the end of, your first semester at CIA. You’ll be notified of a decision within two weeks of the application decision. Please be aware that seats are limited for this unique accelerated degree program offering, so apply now!

CIA student with prior work experience making dessert, through the Turbo Accelerated Culinary Degree program.

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Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

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College Credit Transfer Policy

You’ve come to the right place to get the best education available. CIA offers one-of-a-kind experiences and opportunities for students interested in the food industry. 

Visit Our Campuses

There’s no better way to see what CIA has to offer than to visit one of our campuses.

Why Study at CIA?

When it comes to learning about food and hospitality, we can say with complete confidence that ÁńÁ«ĘÓƵios is truly the best place to begin your future.

Student Life

At CIA, you’ll find all the ingredients you need to create a college experience that’s uniquely yours—guided by your passions, your interests, and your imagination.

Meet the Admissions Team

CIA’s Admissions Team is excited to work with you during this important time of your life.

How to Apply

Take hold of your future. If food is your passion, get the best hands-on education here at CIA—whether your aspiration is to be a chef, entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or food innovator.

Tuition and Financial Aid

More than 90 percent of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid. We’re ready to help you find the most affordable way to pay for your CIA education.

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