Affordable Baking and Pastry Arts Degree, Schools Online
January 27th, 2009
Baking and Pastry Arts training programs focus on preparing future chefs for a career in the food service industry. Students learn the art of preparing dough, icings and other ingredients to create delicious baked goods such as breads, cakes, cookies, pies, fillings and desserts. In addition to specific training associated with Baking and Pastry Arts, potential pastry chefs receive instruction in the fundamentals of culinary arts such as cooking principles, sanitation, nutrition and supervisory skills needed to meet the challenges of one of the fastest growing industries.
Kinds of Baking and Pastry Arts Degrees
Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate – The Baking and Pastry Arts certification program is a two-part training program that teaches students the art of baking and pastry preparation. During the first part of the program, students learn about cakes, breads, candies and rolls. The second phase of the program enhances the skills acquired from the first program and concentrates on the preparation of specialty cakes and desserts. Students also develop the necessary display and presentation techniques in baking and pastry making. The program lasts 13 weeks.
Baking and Pastry Arts Associate Degree – The Associate in Baking and Pastry Arts is a two-year degree program(depends upon number of chosen subjects) that prepares individuals for an entry-level position to serve as a professional baker and pastry specialist in restaurants, hotel and other commercial pastry production establishments. The program focuses on helping students develop the skills to prepare baked goods, pastries and other specialty items. Courses covered in the program include bread and pastry making, cake and pastry decorating, wedding cake production, pastry handling and storage, production and packing, market operations and baking industry operations. Students work on projects and participate in an externship as part of their study program.
Baking and Pastry Arts Bachelor Degree – The Bachelor in Baking and Pastry Arts degree requires students to commit to four years of full-time study to prepare for a fruitful career as well as meeting the daily challenges that exist in the food service industry. The program targets individuals with creative minds who enjoy working with dough, icing and other pastry ingredients to create unique and delicious culinary delights. Courses include training in basic pastry production, cake decorating, cake styling, nutrition application, food safety, sanitation, sugar art and bakery operations. Most programs incorporate internships or allow students to work on a major project such as designing a retail bakery.
Career Opportunities with a Baking and Pastry Arts Degree
Individuals who pursue a career as a Baking and Pastry Arts chef can look forward to an exciting and rewarding career. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports the food-service sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States and predicts a significant increase faster than the average career growth through 2014.
In this competitive industry, trained and educated baking and pastry chefs (depending on the level of qualification pursued) will command the attention of potential employers who constantly seek well-trained and competent personnel to serve up the finest and tastiest pastry buffets in their establishments. Most trained graduates often pursue baking and pastry positions such as baker, pastry cook, food preparation worker or assistant pastry chef in the hospitality/restaurant and hotel industry. Graduates with the requisite business skills can pursue a supervisory or management role or even entrepreneurship.
Average Salary with a Baking and Pastry Arts Degree
Pastry Arts Chefs with Associate degrees will earn an average of $15,400 – $25,000 per year. Graduates with a Bachelor degree in Baking and Pastry Arts earn an average $40,000 – $70,000 per year.
Leading Schools for an Online Baking and Pastry Arts Degree
- The Culinary Institute of America
- Indiana Business College
- Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America
- The Art Institutes
- Oregon Culinary Institute
- Kendal College
- Keiser University
