Associate Degree for Advanced Career Experience (ACE) Students

Do you want to advance your culinary career? You have valuable work experience already. But to succeed in today's rapidly changing foodservice industry, you need the "complete package"—skills, experience, and the right degree credential.

The Associate Degree Program for Advanced Career Experience (ACE) Students (PDF 3.62 MB) is for experienced professionals, giving you the opportunity to get an outstanding CIA education—and associate degree—in just 15 months.

The ACE advantage holds some great benefits for you:

• If you qualify, you can begin your studies at the CIA with knowledge-equivalency credits which exempt you from the CIA's externship requirement so you can graduate in just 15 months.
• You will enroll at the CIA over the January through June period, with nine possible entry dates to choose from.
• You will receive the ACE Quarter-Tuition Grant for each semester.
  Please note: the ACE Quarter-Tuition Grant is for U.S. citizens only.
• When you graduate from this fast-track program, you'll re-enter the industry as a credentialed professional, with the CIA's renowned Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree.

You may already be on your way to a prized CIA degree. Check out the experience requirement below and inquire today to take your first step to becoming an ACE student.

Here are the eligibility requirements and application steps you will need to complete:

• Be an experienced professional, with 2.5 or more years of post-high school, full-time back-of-the-house foodservice experience in establishments that work with fresh, whole-food products and a varied menu.
• Complete an ACE application form (PDF 47 KB).
• Submit a résumé detailing your relevant experience.
• Submit one or more letters of recommendation from your employers describing your foodservice experience, covering both time and responsibilities.
• Submit your official high school, GED and/or college transcripts.
• Write an essay of 400–500 words describing 1) the person in your life who most influenced your interest in the foodservice and hospitality field and 2) your future career goals.
• Interview—by phone or in person—with a CIA academic representative to document your career history, the level of responsibility in your job, and how the CIA degree will help you advance your career.

Now accepting applications for our March 2012 entry dates

Inquire now to get ready for your CIA degree opportunity. After just 15 months, your CIA education will help prepare you for the career you've dreamed about!

ACE Enrollment Schedule

To assure the best handling for your application, please refer to the recommended timeline below. If key timeline dates have already passed but you would still like to be considered for enrollment, please apply and we will contact you with information about how to get your application on the "Fast Track to Admission" on a space-available basis.