Baking and Pastry Arts

Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts provides comprehensive training in both the technical and creative aspects of professional baking. Students master fundamental and advanced baking techniques while learning to produce artisan bread, laminated dough, plated desserts, chocolate confections, and decorative cakes. The curriculum balances hands-on kitchen training with essential business skills like cost control, supervision, and menu planning. Through courses taught by experienced chef instructors, students develop the skills needed to create consistent, high-quality baked goods that meet professional standards.
 
The baking and pastry arts program emphasizes real world application through extensive lab work and a 12-credit externship. Students learn proper food safety practices, sanitation procedures, and professional kitchen standards while building a diverse portfolio of skills. From creating European tortes to designing wedding cakes, graduates leave prepared for immediate employment in the pastry arts industry.

Program Mission

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Baking and Pastry Arts provides instruction in the art and science of baking and pastry preparation. Students use a variety of tools and equipment to produce items such as quick breads, yeast breads, cakes, frozen desserts, centerpieces, candies, cookies and various pastries. Students also study proper foodservice sanitation, supervisory procedures and nutrition.

Program Goals

The program prepares students for entry-level positions as bakers and pastry cooks, creates an environment supporting success in the food service industry, and provides knowledge to produce various breads, desserts, and pastries at professional levels.

Prerequisites

None. The baking and pastry arts program welcomes students from all backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, career changers, and working professionals seeking to enter the foodservice industry.

Program Highlights

Students work with professional-grade equipment and tools used in commercial bakeries and restaurants. The curriculum includes specialized courses in artisan bread, chocolate work, cake decoration, and contemporary plated desserts. The externship component places students in real bakery and restaurant environments where they apply their skills under professional conditions. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from chef instructors with industry experience. Keiser University Baking and Pastry Program, Sarasota, is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Program Highlights

Students work with professional-grade equipment and tools used in commercial bakeries and restaurants. The curriculum includes specialized courses in artisan bread, chocolate work, cake decoration, and contemporary plated desserts. The externship component places students in real bakery and restaurant environments where they apply their skills under professional conditions. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from chef instructors with industry experience. Keiser University Baking and Pastry Program, Sarasota, is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Program Outcomes

Please to view the Program Outcomes Chart.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University Baking and Pastry Program, Sarasota, is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Inc., 6816 Southpoint Pkwy Ste 400, Jacksonville, FL 32216, (904) 824-4468, .

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Baking and Pastry Career

• Professional baking and pastry techniques
• Artisan bread production methods
• Cake decoration and design
• Chocolate tempering and confection making
• Plated dessert presentation
• Kitchen supervision and cost control
• Menu planning and recipe development
• Laminated dough techniques
• Business operations for bakery management

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 24 months and 72 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $1,600.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

The curriculum combines major baking and pastry courses with general education requirements, progressing from foundational techniques through advanced pastry, cake design, and a professional externship. Representative courses are listed below.

Graduates of Keiser University’s baking and pastry arts program can pursue numerous career opportunities across the food service industry. This associate degree prepares new students for entry-level and mid-level positions in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and specialty dessert shops. The program combines technical pastry skills with business knowledge, enabling graduates to manage people, control costs, and eventually open their own bakery.

Career Paths in Baking and Pastry Arts

• Pastry Chef — restaurants, hotels, country clubs
• Cake Decorator — retail bakeries, grocery chains, custom cake studios
• Bakery Owner — independent bakery, specialty bread shop, dessert café
• Artisan Baker — specialty bread baker, sourdough specialist
• Confectioner — chocolate shops, candy makers
• Pastry Cook — fine dining restaurants, resorts

• Wedding Cake Specialist — custom cake design studios
• Production Baker — commercial bakeries, wholesale operations
• Catering Pastry Chef — event venues, catering companies
• Dessert Chef — upscale dining establishments
• Recipe Developer — food brands, test kitchens
• Baking Instructor — culinary schools, community education

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application.
2. Speak with an admissions advisor.
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits.
4. Enroll and choose your start date.

Keiser University’s pastry arts program equips students with the technical skills, creative abilities, and business knowledge needed for successful careers in professional baking. Whether you want to become a pastry chef at a fine restaurant, open your own bakery, or specialize in cake decoration, this associate degree program provides hands-on training from experienced chef instructors. With flexible campus locations across Florida and comprehensive student support services, Keiser makes it possible to pursue your career goals while balancing other life commitments.