Daytona State College offers a 35-credit Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. certificate in Daytona Beach. The program gives students a substantial baking curriculum without requiring a full associate degree.
The college’s published sample plan spans three semesters. It covers artisan breads, cakes, chocolate, pastry fundamentals, nutrition, sanitation, and purchasing controls. A student in the Culinary Management A.S. can also consider the certificate as an added specialization.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Daytona State College |
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Credential | Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. certificate |
| Length | 35 credits; typically three semesters or 36 weeks full time |
| Format | Campus-based |
| In-state tuition and fees | $3,583 program estimate in 2025–26 catalog; additional costs apply |
Certificate Curriculum
The college’s 2025–26 program guide lists 35 credits. Its sample sequence starts with sanitation, nutritional baking, pastry fundamentals, and specialty artisan breads; later terms add cakes, advanced pastry, chocolate, dessert production, and hospitality purchasing.
- Specialty Artisan Breads: 4 credits.
- Pastry Fundamentals and Advanced Pastry Techniques: 3 credits each.
- Introduction to Cakes and Advanced Cakes: 3 credits each.
- Chocolate and Confections: 3 credits.
- Dessert Production and Presentation: 4 credits.
- Sanitation, nutrition, hospitality, and purchasing coursework.
This is an A.S. certificate, not an associate degree. Students considering a later degree should ask an advisor how these 35 credits apply to Daytona State’s current Culinary Management A.S. plan.
Length and Learning Format
Daytona State describes a typical full-time length of three semesters, or about 36 weeks. The sample plan uses fall, spring, and a final fall semester, but the college warns that course sequencing can vary.
Students should verify which classes meet in person, their weekly kitchen hours, and the next available cohort. The school’s program description emphasizes theory and hands-on production; it does not promise a fully online route.
Tuition and Program Expenses
The 2025–26 guide estimates $3,583 in in-state program tuition and fees. It separately lists $40.60 in access fees, $34 in assessment fees, $1,200 in lab fees, $75 for uniforms, $304 for a pastry kit, and $285 for a textbook. Adding those published line items produces an approximate $5,521.60 planning figure.
That sum is an arithmetic estimate based on the 2025–26 guide, not a current bill. Out-of-state tuition is higher, and future catalog prices may change. Ask the college for a current, itemized quote before enrolling.
Admissions, Completion, and Aid
Students apply through Daytona State’s admissions process and should review any course prerequisites with an advisor. The certificate requires a grade of C or better in all program-specific and prerequisite courses.
The catalog says the program is eligible for federal financial aid and Florida Bright Futures, subject to student eligibility. Applicants can complete the FAFSA and ask about Daytona State Foundation scholarships. The college also provides career services, résumé support, and a student job board.
Career Preparation
The program aims at retail and wholesale baking work and teaches production planning, quality standards, sanitation, and professional techniques. Daytona State lists baker, pastry chef, wedding cake specialist, and bakeshop manager among possible job titles; graduates will still need the experience expected for senior roles.
The program guide cites a 63% placement figure for 2021–22. Because that figure is dated, it should not be read as a current outcome. Ask the college whether it has newer baking-specific completion and placement data.
Questions to Ask Daytona State
- What is the current total for tuition, labs, kit, uniforms, books, and fees?
- Can the 35 certificate credits apply to the Culinary Management A.S.?
- When are the next pastry and artisan bread courses scheduled?
- How many kitchen hours are included each week?
- Does the college have newer program-specific outcome data?
Related Programs
Program details and prices can change. Confirm the current catalog, class schedule, and total cost with the school before applying.