Online Baking & Pastry Arts Degrees
Online baking and pastry arts programs teach students how to prepare pastries and other baked goods. These programs are ideal for individuals who enjoy baking, have strong communication skills, are detail-oriented, and can withstand long periods on their feet. Online baking and pastry arts degree programs are available at the associate and baccalaureate levels, select schools may offer a career diploma or certificate option.
Graduates of online baking and pastry arts programs may pursue careers in culinary and pastry arts, whether in the kitchen or out. Programs may provide students the essential skills and training to secure a career as a baker, artisan bread maker, pastry chef, catering manager, or event planner.
Available Degree Levels
- Career Diploma: Varies
- Certificate: One to two years to complete
- Associate Degree: Two years to complete
- Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
Baking and pastry arts diploma programs introduce students to the fundamental culinary concepts, theories, and techniques. These programs typically provide students with basic training on the preparation of breads, cookies, pies tarts, and other desserts. Graduates of these programs may have the tools to pursue entry-level employment in restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, or culinary institutions.
Online baking and pastry arts certificate programs typically provide students with training on the fundamentals of baking, and introduces them to working with basic pastries, artisan breads, and plated desserts. Upon completion of a certificate program, students may be equipped to seek employment in delis, commercial bakeries, pastry kitchens, or bakery shops. Additionally, these programs may provide students a solid foundation in the field, enabling them to pursue advanced training in a specific area.
Online associate-level programs in culinary and pastry arts teach students to administer nutrition principles to menu planning, apply hospitality-marketing methods, and may become versed in the various health laws. Coursework may cover food science, menu planning, supervising in the hospitality industry, and cost control.
Individuals enrolled in online baccalaureate degree programs in baking and pastry arts hone their leadership, critical-thinking, and customer-awareness skills. In addition to general education requirements, students may complete courses in hospitality law, human resource applications, hospitality strategic marketing, and on-site food service management. Some programs may include a capstone requirement, in which students highlight their ability to market themselves to prospective employers.
Career Options
Graduates of these degree programs may have the necessary skills to seek employment in the baking and pastry industries, either in or out of the kitchen. Individuals typically obtain experience through an internship or entry-level employment and work their way up to more advanced positions. Those who have completed a program in baking and pastry arts may know how to hone critical thinking skills in the kitchen and expand upon their knowledge of industry trends and apply them to their potential career.
Possible career fields include:
- Baker
- Catering Manager
- Pastry Chef
- Event Planner
- Artisan Bread Maker