Colorado Mesa University offers two direct routes into baking and pastry training through CMU Tech in Grand Junction. Students can complete a 62-credit Baking and Pastry Associate of Applied Science or a 17-credit Bakeshop Production Technical Certificate.
Colorado Mesa University Baking and Pastry Quick Facts
| Location | Grand Junction, Colorado |
| School | Colorado Mesa University / CMU Tech |
| Credentials | Baking and Pastry AAS; Bakeshop Production Technical Certificate |
| Credits | 62 for the AAS; 17 for the certificate |
| Format | On campus |
| Estimated base resident tuition | About $11,330 for the AAS; about $3,110 for the certificate |
| Program length | Two years for the AAS; two semesters for the certificate |
Program Overview
CMU Tech’s specialized program develops professional skills in pastries, yeast products, quick breads, chocolate, confections, cakes, decorating, ice creams, frozen desserts, fruit desserts, and international baking. Students also learn food safety, formula conversion, product assessment, and high-altitude adjustments.
The official Baking and Pastry Arts page highlights a dedicated baking and pastry lab, small classes, and opportunities involving catering and competitions. The programs are offered at CMU Tech in Grand Junction.
Credentials, Credits, and Estimated Tuition
| Credential | Credits | Typical Length | Estimated Base Resident Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking and Pastry AAS | 62 | Two years | About $11,330 |
| Bakeshop Production Technical Certificate | 17 | Two semesters | About $3,110 |
Estimates use the 2026-2027 in-state CTE tuition rate with the Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend. Student fees, course fees, books, chef clothing, baking tools, and other supplies are additional.
Baking and Pastry AAS Curriculum
The 62-credit AAS combines 45 credits of program-specific courses with 15 credits of essential learning and two wellness credits. The suggested sequence spans four semesters.
- Culinary Program Fundamentals
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Introduction to Foods
- Introduction to Baking
- Baking: Decorating and Presentation
- Intermediate Bread Preparation
- Individual Fancy Desserts Production
- Confectionaries and Petit Fours
- Nutrition for the Hospitality Professional
- Cake Decorating
- Advanced Wedding Cakes
- Advanced Baking
- Supervision in the Hospitality Industry
- Purchasing for the Hospitality Industry
- Dietary Baking
The curriculum also includes English composition, communication, career mathematics, humanities or social science electives, and wellness. The CMU catalog lists the full 62-credit AAS sequence. Students must earn at least a C in each program-specific course.
Bakeshop Production Certificate Curriculum
The 17-credit certificate provides a shorter introduction to professional bakeshop work. The recommended schedule divides the program across fall and spring semesters.
- Culinary Program Fundamentals: 3 credits
- Food Safety and Sanitation: 2 credits
- Introduction to Foods: 3 credits
- Introduction to Baking: 3 credits
- Baking: Decorating and Presentation: 3 credits
- Intermediate Bread Preparation: 3 credits
Students with a current ServSafe Manager certificate may receive credit for Food Safety and Sanitation after submitting documentation to the Registrar. The certificate catalog page provides the current sequence and graduation rules.
Program Facilities and Learning Format
Both credentials require on-campus, hands-on training. CMU Tech describes its baking and pastry lab as a professional learning environment supported by instructors with experience as chefs, caterers, bakers, restaurant owners, and managers.
The AAS includes advanced work in cakes, confectionery, dietary baking, purchasing, and supervision. The certificate concentrates on core production skills and uses courses that also apply to the AAS.
Admissions
CMU Tech uses rolling admissions and does not publish a fixed application deadline. Applicants complete the CMU Tech application and submit official high school transcripts or GED scores. Transfer applicants must also provide transcripts from previously attended colleges. SAT and ACT scores are optional.
The college explains the process on its CMU Tech admissions requirements page. Placement or prerequisite needs may affect a student’s schedule, so students should review their plan with an academic advisor.
Tuition, Fees, and Additional Costs
For fall 2026 through spring 2027, CMU lists an in-state CTE student-share tuition rate of $182.70 per credit for students who qualify for and authorize the Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend. That produces estimated base tuition of about $11,327 for the 62-credit AAS and $3,106 for the 17-credit certificate.
The published CTE schedule lists student fees of $45.80 per credit. Estimated tuition and general student fees total about $14,167 for the AAS and $3,885 for the certificate before course-specific charges. Rates can change, and CMU publishes current tuition and fee tables.
The catalog states that students may need to purchase chef clothing and cooking or baking tools. Textbooks and course-specific fees can add to the total. Eligible students may use financial aid or scholarships, subject to program and student eligibility.
Career Preparation and Continuing Education
CMU Tech lists career options that include baker, baking assistant, cake decorator, candy maker, pastry cook, pastry chef, and bakeshop station chef. The programs focus on entry-level preparation rather than guaranteeing a particular job or salary.
The certificate prepares students to continue into the Baking and Pastry AAS. The AAS also aligns with continued study in Colorado Mesa University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management.
Who Is This Program For?
- Choose the AAS if you want a full two-year degree with advanced pastry, cake, confectionery, dietary baking, management, and general education courses.
- Choose the certificate if you want a shorter program focused on foundational bakeshop production and the option to continue into the AAS.
- Consider CMU Tech if you prefer hands-on training in western Colorado and want access to certificate and degree pathways.