The W launches Mississippi’s first graduate program in culinary and hospitality education
Mississippi University for Women will launch a Master of Science in Culinary and Hospitality Education in fall 2025, making it one of the few such programs in the nation and the only one in Mississippi.
“This new graduate program reflects The W’s continued commitment to producing graduates who are not only highly skilled, but also dedicated to teaching and leadership. By preparing educators in the culinary and hospitality fields, we are investing in industries that are vital to Mississippi’s economic future,” said Nora Miller, university president.
The program is designed to prepare students to become effective educators who can teach and inspire the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. With a strong focus on instructional methods, students develop both teaching skills and a solid foundation in culinary techniques and hospitality principles.
“This new program expands our interdisciplinary programming, providing an innovative degree that will maximize career opportunities for our students in areas that are expected to see significant employment growth over the next ten years,” said Kelly Woodford, dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies. “We are excited to offer a program to prepare both education and industry professionals to train the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders, meeting the needs of both Mississippi employers and employers across the region.”
The 42-hour program consists of 30 hours of online instruction and 12 hours of intensive residency instruction. The curriculum emphasizes course design, classroom and kitchen management and adapting instruction to diverse learning styles. Through hands-on experience in culinary practice, hospitality management and educational strategies, graduates will be well-equipped to lead and innovate in culinary and hospitality education. Graduates who work (or plan to work) in K-12 in Mississippi will be able to seek an endorsement through the Mississippi Department of Education.
The culinary and hospitality industry is expected to see significant growth across Mississippi and the U.S. in the coming decade, increasing the need for skilled educators and trainers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a growth of 822,000 jobs—equating to a 5% increase—in the hospitality and leisure industry by 2033. Employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow at an even faster rate, with an 8% increase by 2033. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security reports that demand for food service, gaming and lodging managers and supervisors will rise 21.5% between 2020 and 2030. This growth will require more educators and trainers to support and develop the expanding workforce.
The Master of Science in Culinary and Hospitality Education will be offered through the Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) at The W. Housed within the College of Business and Professional Studies, the CAI provides interdisciplinary instruction in the culinary arts, emphasizing classic cooking techniques and small-quantity food preparation. Founded in 1996, the CAI is the largest purpose-built facility for culinary education in Mississippi and continues to offer the state’s only Bachelor of Science degree in culinary arts.
To apply for the Master of Science in Culinary and Hospitality Education or other graduate programs at The W, please visit muw.edu/graduate/apply.
The Master of Science in Culinary and Hospitality Education was approved by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Friday, June 20. The Mississippi’s Board of Trustees for the Institutions of Higher Learning approved the program in November 2024.