Le Cordon Bleu is a private for-profit culinary arts institution of higher learning. It is the largest hospitality education institution in the world, consisting of 30 schools and educating more than 20,000 students every year. It was established in 1895 in Paris, France. The first Le Cordon Bleu campus in the United States was established in 1998 and today there are 17 campuses throughout the country and the online division. Le Cordon Bleu is committed to maintaining and passing on the appreciation and mastery of culinary arts. It provides a superior culinary art training that combines a well-rounded education with constant practice and exposure to new experiences. It encourages students to reach their maximum potential and follow their passions. Le Cordon Bleu promotes a unique multi-cultural and educational environment that encourages students to learn and grow and overcome obstacles. All faculty members are highly qualified and bring professional and industry experiences to the classroom environment. Le Cordon Bleu offers programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality and restaurant management.
Le Cordon Bleu Online is a division of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers a variety of culinary programs that students are able to access anytime and anywhere with a connection to the Internet. Like the campus-based programs, the online culinary programs provide students with a unique educational experience. It features immersive training by professional chef instructors. Students receive instruction on theoretical and practical methods on various topics related to the culinary, restaurant, and hospitality industries and well as management and entrepreneurship areas. Online courses are delivered in asynchronous and synchronous format via the MyCampus Learning Management System (LMS). The virtual classrooms are created to facilitate learning and include a variety of educational aspects such as multimedia presentations, asynchronous discussion forums that provide students with the opportunities to interact with instructors and other students, synchronous chat sessions, assignments, and group projects. Chat sessions are often held twice a week for one-hour to enable instructors to present a live structured presentation and interact with students. Chat sessions are usually recorded and archived so students who are unable to attend can access them at a later time. Students are required to regularly participate in online courses by submitting assignments and engaging in online discussions. They are required to log into online courses at least once a week. Le Cordon Bleu Online offers two entirely online programs, an associate degree in hospitality and restaurant management, and bachelor’s degree in culinary management. It also offers hybrid associate degree in culinary operations.
Le Cordon Bleu Online offers a CECybrary web-based information center that is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning. It is a virtual library that houses a collect of full-text books, journals, reference materials, instructional guides, and links. The online division also offers career planning assistance to students to help them with planning their careers. The Career Service Department uses its relationships with a wide array of contacts in the hospitality and restaurant industry to help students pursue rewarding job opportunities.
Accreditation
Every Le Cordon Bleu campus is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Accrediting agencies of Le Cordon Bleu campuses include the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona and its online division.
Scholarships Offered
Le Cordon Bleu offers a variety of scholarship opportunities such as the Best of the Best Scholarship, Alumni Referral Scholarship, Foundations Scholarship, Member Scholarship, Student Leader Scholarship, Officer Scholarship, SAT/ACT Accomplishment Scholarship, Urban Leader Scholarships, Scholarships for ProStart Students, Scholarships for SkillsUSA Students, and Scholarships for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Students. The school also encourages students to seek external scholarships and it provides resources for outside organizations.
Financing Options
There are a variety of financial aid programs available to Le Cordon Bleu students include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART), Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and private loans.
Credit Earning Options
Le Cordon Bleu may grant transfer credit for previous coursework completed at another accredited college or university. Courses are evaluated on an individual basis and must have earned a grade of a C or better. Students seeking transfer credit much submit official transcripts. The school also grants credits for nationally recognized examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and DANTES. Students may also be offered the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in a particular course and receive credit by successfully completing an examination.