The phrase “you can be anything you can dream” has never been truer than today. The internet has made education available to anyone with access to the web. Even if your dream is to become a world renowned chef, there are multiple options and courses for you to choose. Whether you would like to perfect Sunday dinner or become a restauranteur, this can now become a reality.

Here are a few things to consider and expect when you start to explore your options. Applying for any type of new education can be intimidating, so here’s what to expect from a culinary education program online:

1. Options like menu items
The first thing to know when you are interested in the chef culinary arts is that you have many options when it comes to picking a career. There are certainly many programs that are created to teach you how to become a master chef, but there is so much more in the culinary industry. Honing in on what part of the culinary world you are interested in will help you pick the courses that are right for you. The chef culinary arts give you a vast amount of knowledge to take your career in any direction you can imagine.

2. Perfect your culinary skills
Once you know whether you are interested in business, creative, or perfecting your culinary skills, you can choose the courses that will focus on what you are interested in. Then when you sign onto class you will be learning exactly what you are passionate about. Learning how to perfect your knife techniques will be useful for an aspiring chef, but perhaps a waste of time for someone looking to invest in the restaurateur business.

3. Collaborative learning
When taking an online course there is a trade of an in-person program. Going into an online degree, always expect an alternative approach to your education. The culinary school typically is a hands-on program. Demonstrations and practical experience are integral to learning cooking skills. Generally, there will be live demonstrations over webcam and some programs might coordinate meeting locations so that groups of students can get together and learn.

4. Hands on kitchen experience
When it comes to kitchen experience and practice most programs will help you find a kitchen internship where you can be under the supervision of a willing chef. If you are looking for more informative lecture-based classes the online degree will easily translate. Subjects might include science, business tactics, and food safety.

5. Accreditations
In the culinary world having accreditation and proper degrees can give you the competitive edge you will need in the popular world of culinary arts. You will want to expect that your choice of courses is backed by accredited institutions. Another perk of picking a school with accreditation is looking into financial aid. You will want all the work and dedication to take you further once you complete your courses.

6. Cost
Lastly, a culinary education online will be different than the on-campus version. Most people choose online courses so that they can maintain a job and responsibilities. Online courses will be especially beneficial to those looking to know all aspects of the food industry. Expect prices to be much cheaper than on campus and accommodate a more flexible schedule.