Baking and Pastry Certificate

Advance Your Food Service Career with a Baking and Pastry Certificate from NECC

Why pursue a certificate in Baking and Pastry?

Do you enjoy making delicious breads and pastries? Would you like to become a pastry chef or own a bakery or pastry shop? If so, NECC’s hands-on Baking and Pastry Certificate program will help you build upon the basics of baking and pastry production and science, preparing you to take on a variety of specialized baking and pastry roles while working in the fast-paced food service industry.

NECC Turns Sweet Career Dreams into Reality!

NECC’s Baking and Pastry Certificate is cultivating the next generation of baking and pastry artists, “proving” they can thrive working as bakery managers, pastry chefs, cake decorators, chocolatiers, and more. Student learning outcomes focus on the hands-on kitchen techniques that bakeries, pastry shops, and other food service establishments look for when hiring.

Courses are held in our state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, featuring chef-led demonstrations and hands-on training. Students will learn the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, as well as how to use sugar, syrups, icings, and chocolate effectively. Students will also gain practical experience through a required program internship.

Upon completion of the certificate, you’ll have the option of applying your advanced skills outside the classroom or transferring credits to one of our partner colleges and universities, allowing you to further your degree in Culinary Arts or a related field.

What you’ll get from our Baking and Pastry program

Learn How Thrive in Commercial Baking Environments

Immerse yourself in the baking and pastry world, as you explore advanced baking and pastry principles and connect with fellow artisans in the culinary community. Learn how to prepare and produce delicious pies, cookies, cakes, breads, rolls, and other baked goods in a variety of baking environments. NECC’s program will prepare you for a rewarding career in the food services industry—proving that following your sweet career dreams can lead to something truly amazing!

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with others in the local baking and pastry community.

Gear Up for a Great Career in the Visual Arts Field

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great bakery manager, pastry chef, bakery owner, or something else, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

Earn the 28-credit certificate full or part-time
Develop your skills through courses that include: Principles of Baking, Bakery Production and Operations, Contemporary Cakes and Decorations
Gain practical experience through a required program internship

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Once you’ve completed our Baking and Pastry Certificate program, you’ll have the option of applying credits toward our associate degree in Culinary Arts.

Where culinary creativity can take you

Many above entry-level jobs in the baking and pastry industry offer much potential for growth. In some ways, starting out with a certificate is an advantage—you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a degree.

If you’re already employed in the foodservice industry, our certificate program will help you gain advanced skills and insight into the workings of commercial baking environments, making you more desirable to employers!

Imagine yourself serving in one of these roles:

Streamlining bakeshop efficiency as a Bakery Manager
Creating award-winning desserts as a Pastry Chef
Ensuring patron satisfaction as a Head Pastry Chef
Preparing delightful chocolate treats as a Chocolatier
Running a successful bakeshop as a Bakery Owner
Artistically embellishing themed cakes as a Cake Decorator
Overseeing the production of high-quality baked goods as a Lead Production Baker

Why choose NECC for your Baking and Pastry certificate?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Bakery and Pastry Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe Baking and Pastry principles.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.

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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

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Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career outlook for Baking and Pastry Professionals north of Boston

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment future is bright for specialized baking and pastry professionals over the next eight to nine years. For example, job opportunities for pastry chefs are projected to rise over 8% during that period

At NECC, our Baking and Pastry Certificate program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as pastry chefs, bakery managers, lead production bakers, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful bake shops and pastry businesses!

How much can I expect to make as a Baking or Pastry Artist?

The earning potential for those employed in specialized baking and pastry professions varies based on several factors, including education, certifications, experience, setting, and advanced skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a head pastry chef in Boston, MA, was $76,210 as of September 2024.

With a Baking and Pastry Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these culinary arts roles:

Bakery Manager

While reporting to a bakery owner or regional manager, oversees bakery staff, manages inventory, resolves customer complaints, maintains financial records, and strives to achieve sales goals. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $54,978 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $49,904 and $60,102.¹

Pastry Chef

As a culinary artist, creates, designs, and presents a variety of desserts and baked goods. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $73,962 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $63,724 and $84,244.¹

Head (Executive) Pastry Chef

Recruits, trains, and supervises pastry staff, including pastry cooks, assistants, and decorators. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $76,210 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $65,660 and $86,800.¹

Chocolatier

A skilled culinary artisan who specializes in making chocolate and chocolate-based confections. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $28,981 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $24,835 and $34,518.¹

Bakery Owner

Manages the activities at a bakeshop by overseeing the work of employees, the ordering of supplies, and creating marketing products and schedules. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $85,860 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $70,239 and $99,238.¹

Cake Decorator

Use their specialized culinary skills to embellish cakes for birthdays, special occasions, and weddings. They also decorate other pastries. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $32,444 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $28,695 and $38,160.¹

Lead Production Baker

Oversees daily baking operations and ensures the production of high-quality baked goods. Develops and tests new recipes to expand the bakery’s product offerings. The median annual wage in the United States for this role was $68,515 as of September 2024. The wage range typically falls between $59,267 and $78,084.¹

How to get started in the Baking and Pastry Arts near the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Baking and Pastry Certificate program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

See all estimated costs and fees

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree

MassTransfer

Requirements

Courses and Requirements

A minimum of 28 credits is required for certificate completion. Students enrolled in this program will be required to purchase uniforms and supplies, and may also be required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium must be paid at the time of course registration.

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Student Learning Outcomes

The mission statement at NECC states our “mission is to educate and inspire our students to succeed. We provide a welcoming environment focused on teaching and learning—strongly committed to unlocking the potential within each student and empowering our diverse community of learners to meet their individual goals. We are a community college dedicated to creating vibrant and innovative opportunities that encourage excellence and enhance the cultural and economic life of our region.” The mission of the Baking and Pastry Certificate program aligns completely with the mission statement of the college. The program aims to inspire students with a passion for baking and pastry to reach their goal of a career in that dynamic area of the culinary industry. The program focuses on specific specialties of the field allowing students to dive deeply into these specialties and connect with what inspires and excites them. The labs are welcoming and inclusive, empowering students to branch out and try their hands at new skills. Through cooperative education/internship the students are introduced into the diverse region in which NECC exists. Students will have hands-on, experiential learning in area bake shops where they will work alongside, and serve, a culturally, technically and economically diverse population. With the assistance of an involved advisory board, the program will remain current ad innovative, always introducing the latest industry standards and trends.

Through the carefully selected course work, the students will be exposed to all of the core academic skills. Global awareness is an essential aspect of Introduction to Bakeshop and Principles of Baking courses as they learn baking and pastry specialties from around the world. Global awareness is part of the curriculum in CLN 207 Food & Beverage Cost Control as curriculum around guests and fellow employees discusses diversity and awareness. Information literacy is part of their ENG 101 as they learn to critically think about short stories, novels and articles they read while putting their thoughts into narrative essays. Students must also be able to assimilate information and data about sales figures, forecasting and budgeting to make management decisions in both CLN 207 and CLN 211 Bakery Production and Operations. Public presentation is integral to all CLN lab courses as students must create an item and then present it to the class. Public presentation is also a part of cooperative education as they work in a bake shop and interact with clients. Quantitative reasoning is a requirement of CLN 207 Food & Beverage Cost Control as students create and analyze profit and loss statements, use those statements to create budgets and to make business decisions. Quantitative reasoning is also required in CLN 211 Bakery Production and Operations as students create a business plan for a working bakery. Science and technology are also present in the course work. Baking is a chemical reaction and the chemistry behind all of the reactions is discussed in each course. Technology is taught in CLN 207 Food & Beverage Cost Control as the profit and loss statements and all supporting schedules are taught in Excel. Students also study point of sale and back office systems used in the industry for inventory and data collection. Written communication is enhanced in ENG 101 as well as in CLN 207 Food & Beverage Cost Control through required discussion boards. Written assignments are required in all baking labs as well.

Apply appropriate safety and sanitation practices in the bakeshop
Understand bakeshop set up and operations
Accurately select correct ingredients for baking recipes and formulas
Utilize bakeshop tools and equipment efficiently
Establish an understanding and working knowledge of how to produce baked items for special diets including gluten free and low fat
Employ various mixing and baking methods to produce a finished products
Create a plan of action for producing a variety of baked products
Increase and decrease formulas to achieve different yields of bakery products
Demonstrate ability to bake items and recognize doneness with adjustments to oven temperature when needed based on production needs
Evaluate the quality of final bakery products to determine feasibility, marketability and value in the commercial environment

Faculty

Program Coordinator

Denis Boucher, Program Coordinator

dboucher@necc.mass.edu
978-241-4781

Info Sessions & Tours

Come to an upcoming information session on either the Lawrence or the Haverhill campus and get all of your questions answered.

Stop by one of our Lawrence or Haverhill campus Career Planning and Advising Centers and meet with an enrollment counselor.

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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Baking and Pastry Certificate

Advance Your Food Service Career with a Baking and Pastry Certificate from NECC

Why pursue a certificate in Baking and Pastry?

NECC Turns Sweet Career Dreams into Reality!

What you’ll get from our Baking and Pastry program