Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager
Total graduates
737
2025 · 85 schools
International share
3.7%
27 international students
Bachelor's degrees
67
1.5% international
Overview
The field of Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management focuses on the comprehensive skills required to operate successful dining establishments and catering services. This discipline encompasses various aspects of the food service industry, including kitchen management, menu planning, food safety, customer service, and financial management.
Students pursuing this major typically engage in both theoretical and hands-on training. They learn about culinary techniques, food preparation, and presentation while also studying business principles such as marketing, human resources, and operations management. This dual approach equips graduates with the necessary skills to manage a diverse range of food service operations, from casual dining to upscale restaurants and large-scale catering events.
Internships and practical experiences are integral components of this program, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences not only enhance their culinary skills but also provide valuable insights into the daily operations of restaurants and catering businesses.
As the food service industry continues to evolve, particularly with trends in sustainability, health-conscious dining, and technology integration, graduates of this program are well-prepared to adapt and thrive. They can pursue various career paths, ranging from restaurant management and catering coordination to roles in food and beverage marketing, event planning, and even entrepreneurship within the culinary sector.
Overall, the Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management program offers a dynamic and rewarding educational pathway for those passionate about food and hospitality, providing them with the skills and knowledge to excel in a vibrant industry.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 45% and the international share went from 1.2% to 3.7%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 85 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | 1,223,240 | $22.20 | $46,180 |
| Food Service Managers | 238,430 | $36.00 | $74,880 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | 200,040 | $32.07 | $66,700 |
| Cooks, Private Household | 1,100 | $25.81 | $53,680 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.