The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College
Associate of Science in Pastry Arts

Philadelphia, USA

DEGREE TYPE

Associate of Applied Science

DURATION

60 weeks

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time, Part time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

Sep 2026

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

Key Summary

About : The Associate of Science in Pastry Arts focuses on the art and science of baking and pastry production. It covers fundamental techniques and advanced skills in dessert and pastry preparation. Students will engage in hands-on learning through practical experiences in a professional kitchen setting, enhancing their culinary knowledge. The program typically spans two years, providing a comprehensive understanding of baking, business operations, and industry practices.

Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue various career paths, including pastry chef, baker, or dessert designer. Opportunities also exist in restaurant and hotel kitchens, catering companies, and food service operations. The skills gained can lead to roles in product development and food styling within the culinary field.

Future bakery owners and pastry chefs will find the path to sweet success in our Associate of Science in Pastry Arts program.

Introductory-level courses include Pastry Techniques, Professional Bread Baking, and Cake Baking and Decorating. Students then progress to more specialized courses such as Chocolate and Candies, European Tortes and Gateaux, and Wedding Cakes. General Education and Certification classes complement these courses by offering students instruction in related subjects such as Supervision, Nutrition, Sanitation, Cost Accounting, and Composition. Upon completion of the associate degree, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in pastry shops, independent or retail bakeries, and other foodservice facilities.

Hands-on Courses General Education

INTRO TO PASTRY TECHNIQUES
CULINARY FOR HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS
INTRO TO COOKING TECHNIQUES
PROFESSIONAL BREAD BAKING
APPETIZING STARTS
CAKE BAKING AND DECOR
ICE CREAM/BAVARIAN/MOUSSE
LOOKING TO THE SIDES
CHOCOLATE AND CONFECTIONS
ADVANCED PASTRY DECORATIONS
EUROPEAN TORTES AND GATEAUX
WEDDING CAKES
RETAIL PASTRY PRODUCTION (6 COURSES)
INTERNSHIP (3 EXPERIENCES)

General Education

FRESHMAN SEMINAR
FOUNDATIONS IN RESEARCH
ENGLISH COMPOSITION
COLLEGE MATH
INTRO TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
UNDERSTANDING WORLD CULTURES
AMERICAN COURTS & LEGAL SYSTEM
NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY LIFE
THE LEADING SUPERVISOR *
INTRODUCTORY FRENCH
SHAPING AMERICAN CULTURES
CULTURE OF FRANCE

Major Specific

INTRO TO PASTRY ARTS
INTRO TO CULINARY TECHNIQUES
SANITATION*
INTRO TO WINES
PURCHASING AND COST CONTROL*

Experiential Learning

TOUR OF FRANCE

* Certification Courses

** courses are subject to change

Tuition-Paid Travel

Walnut Hill College tops off an excellent pastry education with a week-long, gastronomic tour of France. A.S. in Pastry Arts students dine in the finest restaurants in France, explore the charm of Europe, and interact with French industry professionals who have elevated cuisine and hospitality to an art form.

Tuition

Our academic year is divided into three ten-week terms. A total of six terms is required for an associate degree and twelve terms for a bachelor’s degree.