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: BethlehemProgram 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.