Cooking shows have been a staple on
American television since Julia Child debuted with "The French Chef" in
1963, but in recent years, programs focusing on baking have risen in
popularity. "Ace of Cakes," which premiered on Food Network in August
2006, highlights Duff Goldman and his team of creative bakers and
designers at Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Md. When the show unveils
its last magnificent special-occasion creation this spring, it will
leave the Food Network lineup with the legacy of being one of the
longest-running reality shows on television to feature the same cast.
There are plenty of shows left on TV to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. On The Learning Channel, there are "Cake Boss," "Fabulous Cakes," "Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker," "Ultimate Cake Off" and "DC Cupcakes." Flip back to the Food Network and you'll find "Cupcake Wars" and numerous celebrity chefs working delectable desserts into their meal plans.
But what we see on TV is only the first layer of the many tiers that go into creating a successful career as a baker or bakery owner. Behind the cameras, packed display cases with perfectly poised treats, and glamorous requests for wedding and party cakes from power clients, there is a challenging business that demands constant attention. From managing staff and maintaining inventory to operating within the highest standards of food safety and keeping up with the changing needs and desires of customers, being a baker is no piece of cake. However, if flour and fondant are in your veins, a baking and pastry degree program can help you cook up a career in this tasty industry.
Baking and pastry degree programs: Choosing a school with the right ingredients
Most colleges and universities that offer baking and pastry degree programs focus coursework on preparing students to pursue a management position or launch their own business. Degree programs usually fall into one of three categories:
Once you have decided which type of degree program will most help you reach your goals, it is important to take into consideration what program attributes are most important. Before choosing a school, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:
There are plenty of shows left on TV to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. On The Learning Channel, there are "Cake Boss," "Fabulous Cakes," "Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker," "Ultimate Cake Off" and "DC Cupcakes." Flip back to the Food Network and you'll find "Cupcake Wars" and numerous celebrity chefs working delectable desserts into their meal plans.
But what we see on TV is only the first layer of the many tiers that go into creating a successful career as a baker or bakery owner. Behind the cameras, packed display cases with perfectly poised treats, and glamorous requests for wedding and party cakes from power clients, there is a challenging business that demands constant attention. From managing staff and maintaining inventory to operating within the highest standards of food safety and keeping up with the changing needs and desires of customers, being a baker is no piece of cake. However, if flour and fondant are in your veins, a baking and pastry degree program can help you cook up a career in this tasty industry.
Baking and pastry degree programs: Choosing a school with the right ingredients
Most colleges and universities that offer baking and pastry degree programs focus coursework on preparing students to pursue a management position or launch their own business. Degree programs usually fall into one of three categories:
- Diploma or certificate programs are the most common degrees offered at culinary institutes and vocational pastry chef schools. After completion, which usually takes one year or less, you will be prepared to work in a bakery or restaurant.
- An associate degree in baking and pastry design can usually be earned in two years and is offered at many two-year colleges. A associate degree is a great stepping stone to restaurant or bakery management or to further education.
- A bachelor's degree is the most common degree offered at colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts management can prepare you for a career as an assistant pastry chef or even executive pastry chef trainee. It is the most common degree program pursued by those who are interested in management and business ownership.
Once you have decided which type of degree program will most help you reach your goals, it is important to take into consideration what program attributes are most important. Before choosing a school, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you devote time to a full-time degree program, or will a part-time schedule allow you to better meet the demands of work and family?
- Does the school offer online education options?
- Is there job placement for graduates and, if so, how long after graduation is the service available?
- What percentage of graduates find employment within six months of graduation?
- What is the average salary of graduates who become bakers or pastry chefs? The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median annual salary for bakers in 2009 was $23,630.
- Is the baking and pastry degree program accredited by one of the six regional accrediting organizations for colleges and universities offering baking school programs or by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or American Culinary Federation (ACF)?
- How many graduates go on to receive certification from the Retail Bakers of America?
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