Preparing students to be baking and pastry professionals through hands-on experience and the development of competency based skills while emphasizing management and creativity.
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: BK – view in catalog
- School: Business & Hospitality
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
- Total Credits: 66
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
Accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).
Certified Pastry Culinarian
Graduates of this program who maintain an active Junior membership in the local A.C.F. chapter are eligible to certify as a Certified Pastry Culinarian for free.
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
Entry-level positions in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and retail and wholesale baking establishments. Job titles may include baker, pastry cook, and assistant pastry chef. Entrepreneurship is also possible for those with required business skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for bakers was $25,690 in May 2017. The top 10 percent earned more than $39,830.
Industries with the highest published employment for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing | 54,670 | $13.60 | $28,290 |
| Food and Beverage Stores (4451 and 4452 only) | 48,460 | $13.03 | $27,100 |
| Restaurants and Other Eating Places | 38,280 | $12.90 | $26,840 |
| General Merchandise Stores | 21,170 | $13.76 | $28,610 |
| Traveler Accommodation | 3,980 | $16.72 | $34,770 |
Statistics reported in May 2017
Internship Requirement
Read more about the required internship.
Transfer Procedures
Students transferring from associate degree programs at Penn College or another college will have their transcripts evaluated by Penn College officials prior to acceptance in the major.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tool List & Uniform Policy
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
American Culinary Federation
Penn College Diners' Club
Phi Theta Kappa (ΦΘΚ)
SkillsUSA
Student Government Association (SGA)
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Hospitality Advisory Committee
- Mr. Daniel R Dalton, Three Rivers Program Manager, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
- Mr. Francis A Daniele, Chef/Owner, Joanna's Italian Bakery
- Ms. Diane L Dorner, '79, District Supervisor, Carrols Corporation
- Mr. James M Fry
- Mr. Drew Kendall, Chef, Wegmans
- Mr. Chris Kowalewski, Chief Growth Officer & Senior VP of Sales, Compass Group North America
- Ms. Samantha Liedtka-Gundlach, '10, Owner, Samantha's Kitchen
- Mr. George Logue, III, '10, Co-owner/Chef, Herman & Luther's
- Ms. Erin Oggier, Food and Beverage Manager & Event Coordinator, Lancaster Country Club
- Mr. Kristan T Patterson, Chief Artisan Baker, Penn State University Bakery
- Mr. Gary R Rice, President/Owner, Rice's Food Equipment & Consulting, Inc.
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
