Passaic County Community College (PCCC) offers three baking pathways at its Wanaque Academic Center: a 16-credit Baking Certificate of Achievement, a 33-credit Baking Career Certificate, and a 60-credit Pastry and Baking Arts Associate in Applied Science. The choice depends on how much kitchen training and general education you want.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Passaic County Community College |
| Location | Wanaque Academic Center, 500 Union Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey |
| Programs | Baking Certificate of Achievement; Baking Career Certificate; Pastry and Baking Arts AAS |
| Credits | 16; 33; 60, respectively |
| Format | Campus-based culinary labs |
| Estimated in-county tuition and per-credit fees | $3,664 (16 credits); $7,557 (33); $13,740 (60) at 2026–27 rates, before course fees and supplies |
| Official program | PCCC Culinary Arts and Baking |
Program Options
The 16-credit Certificate of Achievement is the shortest route. The 33-credit career certificate adds a broader sequence; its catalog includes Fundamentals of Baking, Restaurant Bakeshop, Intermediate Baking, and a baking internship alongside culinary, sanitation, and business courses. The 60-credit Pastry and Baking Arts AAS is the two-year degree route. PCCC’s 2026–27 catalog lists all three and gives the exact course sequence for each.
Training Site and Supplies
The culinary program is based at the Wanaque Academic Center, which has professional kitchens. PCCC’s catalog advises students in the baking career certificate to plan for a uniform, shoes, and a knife kit. Some culinary and pastry courses also have approved course fees. Check the current catalog and bookstore list before purchasing supplies.
Cost
For 2026–27, PCCC lists $205 in-county tuition plus $3 student activity and $21 PCCC Access per credit, or $229 per credit. Multiplying by published program credits gives the estimates above. Out-of-county and out-of-state base rates including these per-credit charges are $311 and $388, respectively. These estimates exclude course-specific fees and any other charges; residency and financial aid can change what a student pays.
Choosing a Path
Ask an adviser how the 16-credit certificate applies toward the 33-credit certificate or 60-credit degree, which baking labs run in your preferred term, and how the internship is arranged. The shorter credential may suit a targeted entry point; the AAS includes more coursework and time.
Official Sources
- 2026–27 catalog program index
- 2026–27 Baking Career Certificate details
- 2026–27 tuition and fees
- Wanaque campus location