White Mountains Community College offers a 61–62-credit Associate in Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts at its Berlin campus. The two-year program centers on hands-on baking labs, industry experience, and career preparation for professional bakery and pastry settings.
More than 80 percent of the program’s lab coursework focuses on baking and pastry arts. Students progress from baking fundamentals to artisan breads, cakes, plated desserts, chocolates, confections, decorative centerpieces, and advanced production techniques.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | White Mountains Community College |
| Campus | Berlin, New Hampshire |
| Credential | Associate in Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts |
| Credits | 61–62 credits |
| Length | About two years |
| Format | Campus-based |
| Experience | More than 250 lab hours per semester plus cooperative education |
Baking and Pastry Arts AAS
The Baking and Pastry Arts AAS is built for students who want focused preparation for work as bakers and pastry professionals. WMCC combines baking theory, production labs, business and management coursework, general education, and work experience.
The curriculum covers basic through advanced production. Students also receive training in food production so they understand how bakery and pastry work fits within restaurant, hotel, catering, and commercial food operations.
Curriculum and Baking Courses
Current coursework includes training in areas such as:
- Baking theory and ingredient functions
- Baking fundamentals, cakes, and plated desserts
- Yeast breads and advanced artisan breads
- Chocolate, confections, and decorative work
- Cake decorating and design
- Sanitation, food safety, and professional kitchen practices
- Cost control, purchasing, and hospitality management
- Baking and Pastry Arts cooperative education
The published credit total is 61–62 credits because elective or sequencing choices may affect the final requirement. Students should confirm the current plan with an academic advisor.
Hands-On Experience
WMCC reports more than 250 hours of lab work per semester. Students also complete cooperative education or an approved work experience at a bakery, restaurant, hotel, resort, or related employer.
The college states that students must purchase baking and pastry tools, professional knives, and three sets of uniforms. These costs are separate from tuition and college fees.
Tuition and Estimated Program Cost
New Hampshire community-college tuition is listed at $238 per credit. Applied to the 61–62-credit degree, estimated in-state base tuition is about $14,518–$14,756.
This estimate does not include comprehensive fees, laboratory fees, textbooks, baking tools, knives, uniforms, ingredients, transportation, housing, or other living expenses. Because the program includes extensive lab work, students should request a full semester-by-semester cost estimate from WMCC and review the college’s current affordability information.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students can begin through the WMCC admissions page. Applicants should ask about placement, required health or safety documentation, course sequencing, and whether the Baking and Pastry Arts cohort begins in both fall and spring.
WMCC reports that many students qualify for financial aid. Eligible students can submit the FAFSA and explore federal grants, state aid, scholarships, work-study, and student loans.
Career Preparation
Graduates may pursue positions in artisan bakeries, pastry shops, hotels, resorts, restaurants, catering companies, and commercial bakeries. Possible roles include baker, pastry cook, cake decorator, chocolatier assistant, production baker, or pastry chef trainee.
Questions to Ask Before Applying
- What is the full cost of laboratory fees, tools, knives, and uniforms?
- Where have recent students completed cooperative education?
- Which semester can I enter the baking course sequence?
- Are summer courses or work placements required?
- Can any general education courses be completed online?
Program details and costs can change. Confirm current requirements with White Mountains Community College before applying.