ECPI University’s Culinary Institute of Virginia offers a Baking and Pastry Arts diploma and an Associate of Applied Science degree. Both are accelerated campus programs with professional kitchen work and an externship. The current program pages list Norfolk and Richmond.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | ECPI University, Culinary Institute of Virginia |
| Locations | Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia |
| Credentials | Baking and Pastry Arts diploma; Baking and Pastry Arts AAS |
| Credits | 38 diploma; 60 AAS |
| Length | As little as 40 weeks for diploma; 15 months for AAS |
| Format | Campus-based with externship |
| Published tuition | $8,712 per semester; ask for a full program quote |
Diploma and Associate Degree
The Baking and Pastry Arts diploma requires 38 credits and can be completed in as little as 40 weeks. It concentrates on baking science, production, safety, and presentation.
The Baking and Pastry Arts AAS requires 60 credits and can take as little as 15 months. It adds arts and sciences plus culinary and business courses. ECPI uses five-week terms with one or two courses per term.
Baking and Pastry Curriculum
ECPI lists Artisan Breads and Viennoiserie, Basic Cakes and Tarts, Advanced Pastry Design, Alternative Baking, Petit Fours, and a Baking and Pastry Capstone among its AAS courses. The degree also includes culinary skills, kitchen essentials, food service cost control, supervision, and externship components.
- Baker’s math, mixing, doughs, laminated pastries, and artisan breads
- Cakes, tarts, pastry design, and plated desserts
- Alternative baking for specialty diets
- Kitchen safety, procurement, nutrition, and service
- Externship and capstone work
The diploma and AAS do not have identical requirements. Compare the current plans for your preferred credential and campus.
Tuition and Other Costs
ECPI’s tuition page lists $8,712 per semester for Baking and Pastry Arts. This is a semester price, not the full price of either program. The school also lists a technology fee of $480 per semester and undergraduate application and registration fees. Ask a finance advisor for the number of billable semesters and the complete tuition, fee, uniform, and supply estimate.
Scholarships, transfer credit, and financial aid may change an individual student’s net cost. Avoid comparing the semester price with an entire community-college credential.
Admissions and Program Format
ECPI’s undergraduate admissions policy requires a personal interview, application and enrollment agreement, proof of high school completion or GED, and acceptable admissions assessments. Confirm any program-specific steps with the admissions office.
The kitchen labs and externship require in-person participation. Ask which credential is available at the Norfolk or Richmond start date you want.
Career Preparation and Questions
ECPI describes bakery, pastry shop, catering, restaurant, and hotel paths. The programs teach production skills; they do not guarantee a job or a particular title.
- What is the full price for my selected diploma or AAS?
- Which campus offers my start date?
- How are externships arranged and scheduled?
- Can diploma credits apply to the AAS?
- What supplies and transportation costs are my responsibility?
Confirm program and price details with ECPI before enrolling.