While many culinary programs cover the art of pastry creation, there are also programs that apply specifically to aspiring pastry chefs. A pastry chef program should offer not just courses on recipes and how to use kitchen equipment, but also specialized pastry classes, like the art of cake decorating.
10 Schools with a Pastry Chef Program
The following colleges offer either certificates or associate degrees for baking and pastry arts programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College System | Houston, TX | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $1,848 (in-district), $4,152 (in-state), $5,268 (out-of-state) |
| Valencia College | Orlando, FL | 4-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $2,474 (in-state), $9,383 (out-of-state) |
| Pima Community College | Tucson, AZ | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,190 (in-state), $7,506 (out-of-state) |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn, IL | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $4,110 (in-district), $9,720 (in-state), $11,820 (out-of-state) |
| Oakland Community College | Bloomfield Hills, MI | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,468 (in-district), $4,592 (in-state and out-of-state) |
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $1,650 (in-state), $7,410 (out-of-state) |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus, OH | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,588 (in-state), $9,540 (out-of-state) |
| Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,820 (in-district), $3,360 (in-state), $6,690 (out-of-state) |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | 2-year, Public | Associate, Diploma | $4,658 (in-state), $6,706 (out-of-state) |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte, NC | 2-year, Public | Associate | $2,792 (in-state), $8,936 (out-of-state) |
Source: *National Center For Education Statistics
College Selection Criteria
Keep these factors in mind when considering a baking/pastry arts school to enroll in.
- If applying to a program at a technical school or junior college, confirm that they are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Accrediting Commission.
- Look for programs that include courses outside the culinary field, such as math and business skills, that could help one own their own restaurant one day.
- Students should seek programs that offer apprenticeships, which will give them valuable experience working with a certified chef and possibly an advantage in the job market.
- According to the BLS, chefs who have more experience and business skills could see higher demand and have better job prospects, so you may want to consider a higher program level.
Culinary programs specializing in baking or pastry arts are available all around the country. These programs may provide business training and apprenticeships, and most grant certificates or associate degrees.
