Enhance your baking and pastry arts talents by training at one of the top baking and pastry schools near you. Although baking and pastry skills are often learned with time on the job, there are numerous culinary schools, universities and community colleges that offer formal education programs that focus solely on this discipline, and hence facilitate entry into the baking and pastry industry upon graduation. You can pursue your baking career as pastry chef, baker, bakery manager, or even cake artist with a two year associate degree program in baking and pastry arts or a four year bachelor degree program in similar field. Though longer in length compared to certificate and diploma programs, these degree programs equip its recipients with an in depth knowledge about the science of baking and the art of pastry alongside with extensive practical courses in baking and pastry making, and the opportunity to be set up with specialized-industry internships and externships.
Overview of Associate Degree Programs in Baking and Pastry Arts:
Students attending associate degree programs in baking and pastry arts will be able to broaden their knowledge base and proficiently develop practical skills in the use of sugar, flour, oil, dairy and other baking ingredients while carefully examining their physical properties, baking time, and the affect of low and high heat. Students enrolled in associate degree programs also have the opportunity to gain specialized skills in areas like plating, pairing, cake decorating, pastry designs and techniques, chocolate and sugar artistry. In these kinds of programs, students are also exposed to the business aspects of the baking industry, and taught how to be adept with food purchasing, cost management, labor efficiency and business marketing. Hospitality management and law, kitchen etiquette and leadership are also discussed. Upon graduation, prospective bakers and pastry chefs will be ready to prepare exquisite pastries, plated desserts, special kinds of bread, cookies, tarts and pies, chocolate, candies, and cakes with exceptional designs and decorations. To be able to join associate degree programs in baking and pastry arts, a general education or high school diploma is required.
Baking And Pastry Courses Offered:
Associate degree programs in baking and pastry arts feature baking and pastry courses in addition to number of liberal arts and elective courses from natural, social, behavioral sciences pool, arts and humanities fields as well. As for baking and pastry courses, associate degree programs teach among other courses-food science theory, food safety and sanitation, baking and pastry fundamentals, bread, pies, cookies, chocolate, sugar creations, confectioneries, specialty and wedding cakes, professional cake decorating and design, culinary desserts and presentation, business entrepreneurship and marketing, hospitality management and hospitality law.
Pastry Chef Certification Programs:
Aspiring pastry chefs and bakers with entry level positions have the chance to enhance their baking and pastry career opportunities through advanced bakers and pastry chef certification programs. Although it is not mandatory for employment, bakers and pastry chef certifications are invaluable qualifications that exhibit proficiency and competence of its holder, lead to career advancement and higher income potentials. The Retail Bakers of America, a leading industry association do provide certification programs for bakers at five different levels including Certified Journey Baker, Certified Baker, Certified Decorator, Certified Bread Baker, and Certified Master Baker. Like pastry chef certificate holders, entry level applicants who earned an associate degree in baking and pastry arts may very well apply for the Retail Bakers of America to sit for the Certified Journey Baker written exam. Certification requires at least one year combined education and 1000 hours of retail/commercial baking experience or at least one year of similar work experience (about 2000 hours) with no education requirement. Off course, the higher the level of baker certification programs you are aiming for, the longer the required working experience will be. Similarly, the American Culinary Federation, a leading organization for professional chefs do provide accredited education programs and certifications for pastry chefs at four different levels including:
- Certified Pastry Culinarian
- Certified Working Pastry Chef
- Certified Executive Pastry Chef
- Certified Master Pastry Chef
Entry level applicants holding an associate degree in baking and pastry arts or in culinary arts may apply for the Certified Pastry Culinarian certification program without prior work experience being required. However, successful completion of three 30- hour courses in sanitation and food safety, nutrition, and supervisory management are required, and documentation of such must be submitted for eligibility. Again, the higher the level of pastry chef certification programs you are willing to pursue, the longer the required work experience will be. Other prerequisites may apply, depending on the level of certification programs you choose to pursue.
Culinary Schools, Community Colleges and Universities Offering Associate Degree Programs:
Below is a list of some culinary schools, community colleges, and universities offering associate degree programs in baking and pastry arts.
The Culinary Institute of America: Hyde Park, NY.
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Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts: Pasadena, CA.
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The Culinary Institute of America: St Helena, CA.
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Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts: Orlando, FL.
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The Culinary Institute of America: San Antonio, CA.
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Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts: Hollywood, FL.
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Le Cordon Blue College Of Culinary Arts: Portland, OR.
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Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts: Chicago, IL.
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Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts: Dallas, TX.
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Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts: Tucker, GA.
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Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts: Las Vegas, NV.
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Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts: Saint Paul, MN.
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Le Cordon Blue College Of Culinary Arts: Scottsdale, AZ.
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Le Cordon Blue College Of Culinary Arts: Austen, TX.
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