Baking & Pastry
Specialized Diploma

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Why Choose NCC’s Baking & Pastry Training Program?

Knead, sift and score alongside industry experts in professional kitchens with Northampton Community College’s (NCC) Baking & Pastry Specialized Diploma program. Follow traditional recipes, practice standard techniques, cook up your own creations and present your best breads, desserts and baked goods in our pastry chef training program. By studying part-time on our Bethlehem campus over just one year, you prepare to work as a pastry chef and earn ServSafe Manager certification.

 

Learn Around Your Schedule

Complete your diploma in baking and pastry around your busy schedule through weekend and evening courses at NCC. In this convenient, part-time program structure, you can keep up with your work and personal commitments while you advance your professional capabilities.

 

Real-World Experience in NCC’s Commercial Kitchens

Exercise your skills in our state-of-the-art commercial kitchens and student-run gourmet restaurant, the Hampton Winds. Working in high-stakes kitchen environments is the best preparation for professional baking roles — just ask the employers of our recent graduates!

 

What You’ll Learn in the Baking & Pastry Program

Position yourself for success in the baking and pastry industry. Our pastry chef training program prioritizes hands-on instruction, through which you progress from entry-level skills to advanced techniques in both classical and modern baking and pastry applications. Use traditional and specialty recipes to produce an array of diverse desserts, bread-based products, pastries and sweets.



Program Details

Semesters: 3

Credits: 25

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem

Program Overview:

Practice various baking methods for everything from classic cakes and cookies to artisan breads and advanced pastries in the hands-on diploma in baking and pastry program at NCC. Over three semesters of part-time study, you learn to implement industry techniques, demonstrate safety and sanitation expertise, and apply math for recipe conversions, costing and scaling.

BAKE101 Baking and Pastry Fundamentals
BAKE110 Introduction to Baking and Pastry
BAKE125 Introduction to Culinary Arts
BAKE135 Artisan Breads and Rolls
BAKE150 Advanced Baking and Pastry Techniques
BAKE155 Classic Cakes and Tortes
BAKE160 Cookies and Petite Desserts
BAKE165 Plated Desserts



Tuition and Financial Aid

NCC offers one of the lowest tuition rates of all baking schools in Pennsylvania. We prioritize affordability and accessibility for all of our programs, and we offer one of the largest scholarship funds in the state to further support your learning.



Build Strong Baking Skills

Start with the basics of professional bakeshop work: mise en place, common baking terminology, baking math (measuring and converting recipes), product and tool identification, and safety and sanitation. Then, dive into an overview of the baking and pastry industry history, career development opportunities, goal setting and requirements for success, and current nutritional trends.

Additionally, in the Baking & Pastry Fundamentals course, students are prepared so they can take the ServSafe Managers Certification exam.

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Career Opportunities

Bakers and pastry chefs work in a diverse range of venues, from local shops to traveling caterers to fancy restaurants and beyond. Pair your practical learning at NCC with your passion for mastering artistry, plating, ingredients and more as a food industry entrepreneur or in retail or wholesale baking and pastry establishments as a(n):

  • Assistant Pastry Chef
  • Baker
  • Baker’s Assistant
  • Bakery or Pastisserie Owner/Operator
  • Pastry Cook
  • Wedding Cake Designer

Faculty Spotlight

I'm proud to be an alumnus of NCC, and now as an instructor, I can truly attest to the program's exceptional qualities. If you're looking for a program that goes beyond traditional classroom learning and prepares you for success in the real world, NCC is the place to be. The hands-on experience and the support of dedicated instructors make NCC an excellent choice for students who want to take their education to the next level. I highly recommend it.

Kate Oscavich, Culinary and Baking & Pastry Instructor and Alumni

Kate Oscavich

Need Help Deciding?

Not sure if this is the right program for you? Take advantage of the resources we have available for students to help hone in on what path to pursue.


Connect with an Academic Advisor Contact a Career Counselor

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Apply to NCC and Advance Your Career as a Professional Baker

NCC’s Baking & Pastry Specialized Diploma equips you with hands-on experience in professional kitchens serving real-world guests. Apply now to gain practical skills that set you apart from other job candidates over one year of part-time study in evening and weekend courses on our Bethlehem campus.



Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.