Based out of NHI Emeryville in Northern California, in the heart of the East Bay, near Berkeley, for over 30 years, Bauman College has led the way in educating future leaders, thinkers, and creators in the holistic nutrition and culinary arts professions. At Bauman College, students share more than a hopeful vision.
They share a drive to combine ideology, science, and business - and they get it all here through our visionary curricula. As a Bauman College student, you will gain an advanced understanding of nutrition as well as learn to think critically and provide others with a better understanding of healthy eating and cooking.
They share a drive to combine ideology, science, and business - and they get it all here through our visionary curricula. As a Bauman College student, you will gain an advanced understanding of nutrition as well as learn to think critically and provide others with a better understanding of healthy eating and cooking.
Services
We're on a mission to Help You Have Work You Love! We live and breathe our mission statement of Helping People Have Work They Love, because we wholeheartedly believe that being a well-trained holistic chef or nutrition consultant gives you the ability to improve your life, career and community in ways that will make you and the people around you happier and more fulfilled.
Bauman College has been a national leader in vocational programs in the fields of integrative nutrition and culinary arts since its founding in 1989. Bauman College is committed to the groundbreaking ideas of Dr. Ed Bauman: individual and collective healing through quality education in integrative health.
At Bauman College, the Online Nutrition Consultant and Holistic Chef programs are built on the revolutionary ideas about and scientific approach to nutrition that are the foundations of Bauman College. The Online Nutrition Consultant Program focuses on holistic nutrition that goes beyond supporting one dietary choice over another.
The Nutrition Consultant program provides students with in-depth knowledge of whole-foods nutrition as it contributes to the prevention of illness and the promotion of optimal health.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work as nutrition professionals and provide expert recommendations for diet, targeted nutrients, and lifestyle habits that support their clients in slowing the progression of chronic illness and attaining optimal health.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work as nutrition professionals and provide expert recommendations for diet, targeted nutrients, and lifestyle habits that support their clients in slowing the progression of chronic illness and attaining optimal health.
The Holistic Chef Culinary Program at Bauman College uniquely combines culinary technique and a nutrition-based philosophy with the entrepreneurial skills needed to build a career in service of others through food. Upon graduation, students can become personal chefs, private chefs, meal-delivery chefs, or dinner-party caterers to offer customized, healthful, and delicious food to their clients.
Reviews (27)
Bev Turnquest
Feb 03, 2022
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Highly Recommend!
Bauman College’s NC (nutritional consultant) program was comprehensive and challenging, but also motivating and incredibly inspiring. The things I liked best were the following:
1) Support provided by the instructors, TA’s, and literally everyone. It’s like a big family and they bend over backwards to help the students be successful, from figuring out the tech part to tutoring sessions.
2) Accreditation as well as the longstanding “Bauman" name as one of the pioneers in the field of holistic nutrition.
3) Accurate and relevant material. I have a PhD in Immunology and
Bauman College’s NC (nutritional consultant) program was comprehensive and challenging, but also motivating and incredibly inspiring. The things I liked best were the following:
1) Support provided by the instructors, TA’s, and literally everyone. It’s like a big family and they bend over backwards to help the students be successful, from figuring out the tech part to tutoring sessions.
2) Accreditation as well as the longstanding “Bauman" name as one of the pioneers in the field of holistic nutrition.
3) Accurate and relevant material. I have a PhD in Immunology and
Helen Gaydos
Feb 03, 2022
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In January 2022, I completed the Nutrition Consultant course at Bauman College, Berkeley, CA. This is a fascinating, science-based, rigorous course that considers healthy lifestyle choices with an in depth look at how food and lifestyle affects the systems in the human body. This course has brought peace for me around food allowing me to fully enjoy food without guilt or misunderstandings about how to eat. For example, I have stopped counting calories and instead I enjoy a broad range of ‘whole foods’ with a good balance of macro and micro- nutrients.
Paty R. Stewart
Jun 25, 2021
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I graduated from the Natural Chef program a couple of years ago and it was a great experience for me. It was an intense and very complete program where we learned how to work around a commercial kitchen, safety, making healthy and nutritious food, new ingredients and tips from our instructors and International Cuisine. I would probably just liked to have known more about the work load before enrolling so I could have organized my time in a different way but it was worth the work.
Everything I learned in the program has helped me at two jobs already.

Everything I learned in the program has helped me at two jobs already.

Ryanne White
Jun 23, 2021
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I am currently a student here and wow am I blown away by this program. It’s clear and concise. My mentor and the staff have been one of the largest support units I’ve had during this weird season we are having. I have learned so much and I’m looking forward to sharing my skill sets with the world, this is A one of a kind institute that I couldn’t be more proud of being apart of and a future graduate from. 10/10 highly recommend this program for anyone looking for a truly in-depth, well rounded understanding of holistic health you have found the correct school. The entire staff is phenomenal
Carla Curry
May 17, 2021
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I have received high quality education in the Holistic Nutrition Consultant Program at Bauman. Laura is very good at keeping everyone updated and her doors open for anyone with questions, feedback or concerns. She is highly knowledgeable on the content. In summary, it covers anatomy and physiology, chronic diseases and how to help heal the body through nutrition. It is intense at times with a lot of information to learn, so it is helpful if you have the time to devote to learning. I have been in the program for a few months and it has made a difference in my life.
Kimberly Hohn
Feb 24, 2021
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I attended Bauman for the Health Coach program and I loved it! I found the teachers/coaches knowledgeable, helpful, open, friendly, funny and supportive. I was able to keep up with my work load while working my current job. I was impressed by the content and I enjoyed the reading materials. Each teacher brought something different to the table and I appreciated each perspective. Another bonus was being able to watch an experienced coach work with clients, i absorbed so much knowledge from getting to watch that process.
Shannon Marie
Oct 07, 2020
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One of the best decisions I made was to enroll in the Culinary Arts program. I graduated with all the skills necessary to be successful as a Personal Chef, Cooking Instructor, and Caterer. Bauman's cooking instructors and staff are professional and supportive. The curriculum is comprehensive, unique, and practical. I immediately found employment as a personal chef to pro athletes as well as clients with health challenges. The knowledge and experience that I walked away with opened many doors which allowed me to explore different aspects of cooking including writing, recipe development, and meal
Ellie Chou
Sep 14, 2020
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I attended the culinary program a few years ago. It was a wild, tasty, and educational ride of 5 months! I learned much about culinary techniques, cooking with restrictions, and a quick tour of cuisine around the world, all with eating for health in mind. I have come out the other side much more confident in the kitchen and have been creating my own recipes and applying what I learned everyday. It was an intense but rewarding experience. One of the highlights was also to learn from the classmates as many of them are talented and highly experienced even before entering the program. There are also
Nicole L.
Jan 08, 2020
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I attended the Natural Chef program and earned my certificate in April 2019. I decided to invest in myself and attend the $20k 700 hour program as a start of a new career in work I am passionate about. The program was far from what I expected. It was not supportive or nourishing (as it says in the intro video). Instructors are not qualified. Mistakes are encouraged but shamed when made. There is no opportunity to build community at school (we are scolded for extra conversation with classmates). The connections made with classmates are a crucial component to future success. Meal environment is
Sydney U.
Dec 14, 2019
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First I want to say, I passed my certifications and got the most expensive and worthless piece of paper I've ever owned... Nice people, poor business model and massive lack in providing competent professional chefs to show how to properly succeed in the food industry. Everyone in my class left as a self starter in their selected area with zero guidance. I am all about finding your own way to make something happen, but if I'm paying a premium sold on the idea that you are EXTREMELY capable of a talent and you've not so much as stepped a foot inside that industry - Why should I trust
Marlese R.
Aug 15, 2019
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You will not make a living off this degree.
This college is misleading you and you will never be able to financially thrive or have enough clients to make a living anywhere on the West Coast. Only 1 or 2 people still trying to practice from my graduating class. I really feel bad that tuition has double what I paid. And check out Glassdoor Bauman does not pay a living wage.
After trying to "make it" for 6 years and working at 2 Drs offices, having a coach - that is another joke! Doing classes, workshops, free speaking events the most I could generate was 25K a yearl most of that was
This college is misleading you and you will never be able to financially thrive or have enough clients to make a living anywhere on the West Coast. Only 1 or 2 people still trying to practice from my graduating class. I really feel bad that tuition has double what I paid. And check out Glassdoor Bauman does not pay a living wage.
After trying to "make it" for 6 years and working at 2 Drs offices, having a coach - that is another joke! Doing classes, workshops, free speaking events the most I could generate was 25K a yearl most of that was
Bev R.
Aug 11, 2019
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I love mentioning Bauman College. The name carries respect and I truly believe this is one of the best holistic nutrition schools available. Bauman College is a non-profit and works hard not only to train its students well, but also help with community outreach. The material is deep, relevant and evidence-based. The teachers (granted, I didn't meet all of them), are experienced and genuinely interested in the success of the students. The website could use some updates, but I was a student long long ago. Tuition is slightly expensive, but for good reason; it's not a degree-in-a-month type
Katie L.
Mar 13, 2017
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I started the Nutrition Consultant program in class at the Berkeley location. My in-class experiences were great, the teachers were very knowledgeable, and although the school has a bit of a vegetarian slant, my teachers were more on the ancestral health side. Due to medical reasons, I had to switch to distance learning part way through my studies. I completed my studies in the distance learning program. My mentor was really helpful and supportive and I enjoyed my biweekly calls with her. However, in comparing the two different lectures, in-class and distance, the distance lectures barely compare
Lisa A.
Mar 13, 2017
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I have just completed the Nutrition Consultant program (distance learning) through Bauman College. The program was amazing and as a distance learner, well supported with excellent mentorship. I did my due diligence before I began and researched Bauman alongside many of the other distance learning programs available. It appeared to be a really robust program and I am so glad I made the decision to study with them. Fantastic, in-depth nutrition course work, relevant assignments, real client experience, and business fundamentals. This program had everything I expected and more. The best part was
Michael W.
Mar 20, 2016
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I attended Bauman College several years ago. For the first half of the curriculum I opted to take all my courses on the Berkeley Campus. Both Nori and Laura were my teachers and they were both very knowledgeable and passionate about nutrition. I felt the pace of the class was perfect, as there was a balance of both theory and practicality. The food presentations done by each student helped showcase a variety of different healthy foods from the diverse student population. I felt the assignments and exams were more than fair and it helped prepare us for actually doing nutrition consulting work.
J. S.
Mar 19, 2016
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I graduated from Bauman College a few months ago (Berkeley) having completed the NC program. I started in-class but had to finish up the last couple of months as a Distance Learner as we moved out of the country. I really enjoyed my time at Bauman and felt that the teachers were excellent and extremely passionate about the material. The practice clients that we had to take-on during the course & the meal plans/recommendations that were required to produce for these assignments, adequately prepared me for clients after graduation. I was able to manage being a full time mom to 2 young kids and
T. Z.
Jun 12, 2015
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Interestingly none of the reviews are from Distance Learning students yet most of the reviewers (although they enjoyed their teachers and learned) expressed that they did not feel prepared to work in the real world. I had the same experience, expressed concern and received nothing but a take it or leave it attitude.
I signed up for the Distance Learning (DL) program for the Nutrition Consultant program because I liked that it appeared to be much more in depth than other programs like Integrative Nutrition. However, what I experienced was sub-par to say the least. As a DL your only option
I signed up for the Distance Learning (DL) program for the Nutrition Consultant program because I liked that it appeared to be much more in depth than other programs like Integrative Nutrition. However, what I experienced was sub-par to say the least. As a DL your only option
Diane D.
Jun 03, 2014
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I graduated from both the Nutrition Consultant program and the Natural Chef program. I have been running a successful and rapidly growing business for a year now.
After doing a lot of research and debating whether to get my master's and become an RD, I chose Bauman because of the excellent integrative curriculum. I even relocated from LA to SF to attend.
I highly recommend both courses. They do not have a career center, but they do offer a lot of guidance as you begin your career. It helps if you are a self-starter who is motivated to do the work necessary to build a business or find a
After doing a lot of research and debating whether to get my master's and become an RD, I chose Bauman because of the excellent integrative curriculum. I even relocated from LA to SF to attend.
I highly recommend both courses. They do not have a career center, but they do offer a lot of guidance as you begin your career. It helps if you are a self-starter who is motivated to do the work necessary to build a business or find a
Giovanna G.
Mar 01, 2014
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I took the Natural Chef Training Program at Bauman College. I came into this program having a Bachelor's in Nutritional Sciences and simply wanted to learn healthy cooking techniques and recipes. I got so much more than that out of the program. I learned a substantial amount about holistic nutrition and therapeutic cooking, and the dishes were creative and packed with flavor. I thought I knew so much about nutrition already, but Bauman's Eating for Health model really made me look at food and health differently.
The teachers in the program were wonderful and were strong supporters of
The teachers in the program were wonderful and were strong supporters of
A. M. N.
Apr 03, 2013
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I found the Nutrition Essentials material and community very valuable. I was surprised to learn many things each week, especially since I've been studying nutrition and sustainability since I was a teenager. In the last year, I've really struggled to eat well and I honestly didn't expect to change much in two months during this class. Yet, I felt motivated to act on my new knowledge and received much support from my teachers and classmates. None of us wanted our class to end! My classmates and I would gladly advocate for NEE Part 2.
Doris D.
Feb 28, 2013
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I took the Nutrition Basics class, and I haven't looked at food the same since! As a foodie, who loves to eat and cook and wants to stay healthy, it was just the right class for me, and within my price range. There were six 3 hour evening classes that were led by a nutritional consultant and a chef. The staff was very knowledgeable and considerate. Listening and watching them took my Zen Happiness level to a 10! Half the class was listening to a lecture, then we went into a large kitchen workspace and watched a cooking demo that we tasted at the end. What did I get out of this class?
Vinesa B.
Dec 04, 2012
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This is an excellent Nutrition Consulting Program, especially for people with work experience as health practitioners. The curriculum is no less than excellent. I found the professors caring and well prepared. The materials are by far and above the very best in the field, Every single slide presented in each class has referenced foot notes from recently conducted research. They are constantly citing the government PubMed site which is the clearing house for health sciences research.
This is practical and useful body of knowledge to launch a business. I received a Nutrition Consulting degree
This is practical and useful body of knowledge to launch a business. I received a Nutrition Consulting degree
Emily A.
Mar 27, 2012
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I received my NC certification in December 2011, so I'm updating my review of the school.
Overall, I think it's a fairly good basic program. I learned a lot, I loved my teachers, I loved going to class, and I loved my fellow students.
As I've noted before, while the teachers are a wealth of information & knowledge (and so very fun, funny & kind), not all of them are very good at teaching. Lecturing, yes - teaching, not so much. It's hard for them to get the information to sink in, and the bias was palpable (which it shouldn't be in a science-based curriculum
Overall, I think it's a fairly good basic program. I learned a lot, I loved my teachers, I loved going to class, and I loved my fellow students.
As I've noted before, while the teachers are a wealth of information & knowledge (and so very fun, funny & kind), not all of them are very good at teaching. Lecturing, yes - teaching, not so much. It's hard for them to get the information to sink in, and the bias was palpable (which it shouldn't be in a science-based curriculum
Claire W.
May 27, 2011
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Bauman College offers Nutrition Educator, Nutrition Consultant and Natural Chef programs which are good quality programs that can prepare one for a career in the holistic nutrition field as well as getting you a foot in the door in the natural chef/culinary arts world.
I personally got through the Nutrition Educator program (and got the certificate) as it has always been my passion to learn more about nutrition as it realted to our health. After finishing the distance learning program, I've gained so much knowledge of how to eat right and improved my diets for better stamina and higher energy
I personally got through the Nutrition Educator program (and got the certificate) as it has always been my passion to learn more about nutrition as it realted to our health. After finishing the distance learning program, I've gained so much knowledge of how to eat right and improved my diets for better stamina and higher energy
Shana S.
May 23, 2011
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I finished the Natural Chef Program February 28. Like my previous review stated, I think what you learn is good. However, I definitely don't feel prepared to go out and get a job as a chef in a restaurant with confidence. This course is definitely a course to take if you only want to be a personal chef. I feel confident I could do that, although I did that before paying $10,000, but I am better because of the course. So the content is not necessarily what I have a problem with. I do however have a problem with the fact that they lost my last homework assignment and after 3 months of waiting
Michelle C.
Jan 29, 2010
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I am a current natural chef student and am really enjoying the program at Bauman College. Before attending the program I took the opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor and look through the curriculum binders. I knew what this program had to offer before I committed to attending. I suggest you do the same thing. (What type of education are you wanting to receive? Please don't make your decision based on our comments here, including mine.)
Here is a little bit about my experience. I specifically chose Bauman College because it is not a traditional culinary program. The natural chef
Here is a little bit about my experience. I specifically chose Bauman College because it is not a traditional culinary program. The natural chef
Frank S.
Jul 09, 2009
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As a former student, I would not recommed this school to anyone! The instructors are not educated in the subjects they teach and they teach outdated info about nutrition. They are biased against vegans and vegetarians and have too much emphasis on gluten free cooking just because they themselves are gluten intolerant! It's not worth the money , for sure! As far as getting a job after, unless you want to start your own personal chef business, which the bay-area is saturated with, you are pretty much out of luck! No restaurant will hire you cuz they don't know what Bauman College is
