Pastry Education Requirements and Career Information
Pastry education allows aspiring pastry chefs to gain knowledge and experience in the pastry arts. Certificate programs and degree programs at the associate, bachelor's and master's degree levels train pastry chefs for careers baking breads, cakes and specialty desserts.
Education Requirements for Pastry Chefs
A culinary school education is highly desired by most employers of pastry chefs. A pastry education combines theory and practical education. Most programs require students to work in a student-run public bakery or restaurant to hone their skills and gain industry experience. Completion of a pastry education prepares a student for entry-level work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies and retail establishments. Widely available pastry arts programs offer a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree.
Pastry Education Degree Options
Pastry arts certificate programs usually take less than one year to complete and provide focused, entry-level training. Associate degree programs typically require two years to complete and includes courses in the business and technical aspects of being a pastry chef. A bachelor's degree program offers a well-rounded education that requires four years of full-time study. In addition to hands-on pastry training, coursework includes math, English, biology, physiology and history as well as nutrition, computers and food chemistry. A limited number pastry arts programs lead to a master's degree. These programs spend less time on general pastry technique and focus on the science of pastry. Most graduates tudents focus on a specialized aspect of culinary arts.
The American Culinary Federation (ACF) accredits 200 programs in the United States to ensure the quality of instruction, course content and facilities (www.acfchefs.org). The ACF also offers 14 certification levels for pastry professionals, providing independent assessment of a pastry chef's skill level.
Pastry Career Information
Pastry education graduates produce baked goods, decorate and plate pastries and desserts, keep the kitchen organized and order supplies. In addition to a pastry education, creativity, attention to detail, math, reading comprehension and good communication skills are beneficial. Entry-level positions for those with a pastry education include baking and pastry assistant, baker, pastry cook and assistant pastry chef. Pastry program graduates can also find careers as personal chefs or in food writing or styling.
Despite the increased number of bakeries and a growing demand for specialty baked goods, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has forecasted flat overall job growth from 2008-2018, due to the increased use of off-site bakeries with large baking capacities. In 2008, bakers held 151,600 jobs, with an average salary of $25,020, according to the BLS (www.bls.gov).
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6 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (3)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts
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- Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Food & Beverage Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Baking & Pastry Arts
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- Associate in Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Professional Baking & Pastry
- Diploma in Professional Baking & Pastry
- Certificate - Culinary Arts
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- Diploma - Culinary Arts
- Certificate in Art of Cooking
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma: Hotel/Restaurant Mgmt
- Certificate in Feeding the Family
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Florida (1 campus)
- North Carolina (1)
- Rhode Island (1)
Areas of study you may find at Johnson & Wales University include:
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- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Chef Training
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Chef Training
- Funeral Related Services
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
