Baking

What is baking?

Baking is the process of preparing baked goods such as pastries, cakes, and breads.

What should I look for in an online baking school?

The best online baking schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online baking schools based on:

• The school’s name and status
• The school’s history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online baking school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online baking programs are available?

The following levels of baking degree online programs are available:

• Online Baking Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Baking
• Online Bachelor in Baking
• Online Masters in Baking
• Online PhD in Baking

How long does it take to get an online baking degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online baking degree depends on the level of baking degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Baking Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
• Online Baking Associates Degree– 2 years

What are some examples of online baking courses?

The most popular online baking degrees and online baking certificate programs offer a selection of courses that prepare students to produce a broad range of baked goods and to succeed professionally. Some typical online baking courses include:

• Classical Pastries and Desserts
  Most popular online baking schools offering this course in the western world will likely focus on traditional European cakes and tortes and techniques for decoration such as stenciling, pastillage, marzipan, and fondant.
• Yeast and Quick Breads
  This course is found in most of the top online baking degrees. Students study yeast and quick bread production, products such as biscuits, muffins, scones as well as simple yeast, artisan and sourdough bread.
• Cakes and Cake Decorating
  The best online baking degrees will offer a course specifically in cake production and decorating, equipping students with the skills to produce a variety of cakes, including advanced wedding and other specialty cakes.
• Bakery Operations
  Higher-paid jobs in baking often involve some management or supervisory responsibilities. A course in bakery operations teaches students about the business side of the industry.
• Baking Internship
  A good baking resume, even with a major in baking from a top online baking school, is not complete without experience. The best online baking degree will help students to advance their careers in baking by arranging an internship opportunity in which they practice the skills learned.

What areas of baking specialization are available?

While an online baking degree program may offer baking as a specialization within a more general culinary arts program, many accredited online baking schools offer further specialization by allowing students to focus on a particular type of baked good. These might include the following:

• Pastries
• Cakes
• Breads
• Muffins
• Biscuits/Cookies

What can I do with a baking degree?

Baker jobs can be found in a variety of contexts and settings. Here is a list of some common positions for people who have completed online baking training programs:

• Head Baker
• Assistant Baker
• Quality Manager
• Baking Supervisor
• Bakeshop Manager
• Food Critic

What is a baker?

A baker is a person who prepares baked goods. Professional bakers sell these products to customers.

What does a baker do?

A baker’s job duties are not always solely confined to producing baked goods. In a busy bakery, restaurant or other organizations, a baker will often be involved in purchasing, packaging, and serving the product. In smaller businesses they will frequently also hold financial and general management responsibilities.

How much does a baker earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in bakeries make an average weekly salary of about $500. This average includes workers with little training; those who hold a top online baking degree or have completed other online baking certification programs can expect somewhat higher salaries and levels of responsibility. Owners of their own bakeries can make significantly higher profits. Throughout the food industry employment growth is unfortunately predicted to remain stagnant with a growth rate of 0% expected through to 2018, mainly due to improvements in technology reducing the demand for human labor. Growth rate refers only to new job creation, however, and as many senior bakers retire from the profession their old jobs will become available to the next generation of qualified applicants.

How do I become a baker?

While accredited online baking degrees are not always required in order to secure work as a professional baker, formal education of some level is usually a prerequisite for top positions. Apprenticeships are also common ways of gaining experience and building a reputation, which is why many accredited online baking schools offer internship options.