Culinary arts is the study of preparing and arranging food. Students learn how to create works of art that are also fit to eat. Students may choose to study one particular area or learn the generalities of many different specialties.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.