Learning How to Bake Professionally: Is a Degree Worth It?

Baking may not sound initially like something that requires a lot of education. It's just some combination of eggs, butter, and flour, right? But for those who want to advance into the world of professional pastry, including making those delicate tarts and mirror-glaze cakes that have enamored the professional pastry world, earning a baking and pastry arts degree can be the most straightforward way into that career.

As with any food-related field, you could just go out and get a job in a kitchen somewhere, but in the pastry and baking worlds, that's not always the most effective way to learn your way around glazes, fondants, and flours.

What Do You Learn in Culinary Arts School?

It's possible the school you choose will have a highly specialized program, but more than likely you'll start out learning about basic principles in baking and then branch out into learning about different types of pastry and what different ingredients can do.

For example, you may start with your basic baking class and then advance to a class that focuses solely on chocolate. From there you may learn about European pastry styles in one class and allergen-ingredient substitutions in another. Your education will likely include the business side of things, including catering and budgetary issues.

What are the Benefits to Attending a Formal Baking Program?

This is where pastry and baking school pulls ahead of on-the-job training for baking. When you start straight off in a restaurant, you're learning only what that restaurant creates. And in fact, you may not even get into the pastry side of things immediately; you could spend time as a dishwasher or regular dinner-prep assistant.

Sure, you could observe and learn some -- but you wouldn't be getting a steady baking education that was created specifically to teach you about all of the different sides of the pastry world.

Another advantage to school is that you receive feedback on your baking that isn't a job-killer. If you try to bake at a restaurant where you're learning on the job, not only will you get only basic items to bake first, but you could also hear unfiltered criticism from other cooks, customers and even the restaurant owner. In school, you'll get criticism, but it is almost certain to be constructive with the goal of helping you improve -- not scolding you.

Are You Interested in taking a Formal Baking Program?

Are you ready to learn more about pastry and baking arts? Check out ECPI University's Culinary Institute of Virginia's Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts. This program works to start you off with the basics and you should move into courses that are more specific that gives you a well-rounded view of the pastry world.

Two term's worth of externships finish off this program that could take as little as a year and a half to complete. If you're interested in baking and pastries, start your career with the knowledge you need. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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