Denver Schools with Baking Classes
There is one community and one technical college, as well as a university, in the Denver area that offer classes in baking. The following resource includes a summary and a comparison table that can help you learn more about these schools and programs, which may culminate in a certificate or a degree.
- At Emily Griffith Technical College, which is less than a mile from downtown Denver, students can complete a professional baking program.
- Johnson and Wales University, located about five miles from downtown Denver, is a private university that offers associate's and bachelor's degree programs in many areas in the culinary arts, including baking. Students can acquire experience at the university's cutting-edge facilities, including bakeshops and pastry labs.
- Red Rocks Community College also offers certificate and associate's degree programs in culinary arts that include baking courses. This college is located a little more than 13 miles from downtown Denver.
Comparison of Schools
The three schools profiled below have either an open admissions policy or admit a large percentage of applicants. Tuition at the two public schools is relatively modest; however, 100% of first-time undergraduates at Johnson and Wales University in 2016-2017 received some form of financial aid.
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Johnson and Wales University - Denver | Red Rocks Community College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Less-than-2-year, public | N/A* | 4-year, primarily associate's, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 5,086* | N/A* | 6,035* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | N/A* | Midsize city |
| Tuition and Fees (2019-2020) | $7,136 (Approximate cost for Culinary Arts program, 2023)** | N/A | $4,379 in-state, $15,801 out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Aid (2020-2021) | 86%* | N/A* | 42%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | N/A - Open Admissions* | N/A* | N/A - Open Admissions* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | 91% for full-time students* | N/A* | 100%* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate | 84% (for students who began their studies in 2018-19)* | N/A* | 22% (for students who began their studies in 2015)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator, **Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College is committed to providing students with applicable skills and knowledge. Through the College of Design Studies, students can select from a professional baking program, a cake decorating program and a culinary arts program.
Professional Baking and Design Program
The professional baking program consists of 10 credit hours and takes three months, depending on whether students complete courses during the day or at night. Courses include topics in baking principles, terms and ingredients, as well as keeping a kitchen safe and sanitary and operating a kitchen. Students create a variety of baked goods, such as pies, pastries and cookies, for the school's deli.
Johnson and Wales University - Denver
The College of Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University considers the culinary arts a science, an art, a craft and a business. Students prepare for all aspects of the culinary field through culinary competitions and world-class facilities that include kitchens, labs and bake shops. They can also participate in study abroad opportunities.
Associate in Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Through the 2-year Associate in Science in Baking and Pastry Arts program, students start by learning how to manage a kitchen and bake breads, pastries, cakes, cookies and pies. During the second year of the program, they study international desserts, nutrition and principles of cost control. Courses include classic pastries, chocolate and confections, specialty cakes and plated desserts; students also learn about food and beverage cost control, artisan breads and sugar artistry. A baking and pastry internship is required.
Bachelor of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management
Prior to beginning the bachelor's degree program, students complete the associate's degree program in baking and pastry arts. Upper-level coursework covers topics in hospitality and food management. Courses include strategic marketing, accounting, financial management and operations management for the hospitality industry. A concentration is available in beverage service management. Culinary capstones cover buffet and special function operations, à la carte European and modern American cuisine, dining room supervision and the foods of Asia and the Orient.
Red Rocks Community College
Red Rocks Community College has more than 150 programs, including certificate and associate's degree programs in the culinary arts that include baking courses. Students can participate in the Rocky Mountain Chefs of Colorado Apprenticeship Program to acquire practical experience.
Culinary Arts Certificate
The culinary arts certificate program requires 57 credits and includes courses in food safety, sanitation, service and production. Students prepare vegetables, cook breakfasts, use starches and prepare soups. They learn the principles of baking and how to make yeast-based breads, decorate and present baked goods and prepare fancy desserts. They also complete three culinary internships.
Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts
The 72-credit culinary arts associate's degree program includes all of the courses in the certificate program and some general education courses. By the end of the program, students can prepare a variety of breads, including French, rye and wheat bread; croissants; and brioche. They can also create desserts, including pastries, pies and cookies.