The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is an American private not-for-profit college specializing in culinary and baking and pastry arts education. It was founded in 1946 as a vocational institute for returning veterans of World War II. The CIA's primary campus is located in Hyde Park, New York, with branch campuses in St. Helena, California, San Antonio, Texas, and the Republic of Singapore. The college offers associate and bachelor's degrees, and has the largest staff of American Culinary Federation Certified Master Chefs. The CIA also offers continuing education for professionals in the hospitality industry as well as conferences and consulting services. In addition to professional education, the college also offers recreational classes for non-professionals. The college operates student-run restaurants in their three U.S. campuses.