2024-2025 Student Catalog 
    
    Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Student Catalog

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Baking and Pastry Arts, Certificate



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Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:    Certificate
HEGIS Code:            5404
SUNY Code:             4029
Major Code:             BAKE

The Career

New York State and the U.S. Department of Labor project the need for qualified bakers will double in the next five to 10 years. Locally, research indicates that 75 percent of the chefs in Western New York would employ graduates of a program such as SUNY Niagara’s Baking and Pastry Arts program.

Upon completion of the two-semester program, the graduate will be qualified for employment in entry-level positions or higher as a baker, assistant baker or assistant pastry chef.

The SUNY Niagara Approach

Classes are taught in state-of-the-art kitchen facilities at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The program will combine both classroom learning as well as laboratories.

The faculty at SUNY Niagara are all certified by the American Culinary Federation and have worked in various facilities such as the Hyatt, Hilton and Radisson hotels as well as various private clubs in Western New York. They are graduates of such institutions as Johnson and Wales, State University of New York at Buffalo and the Culinary Institute of America. SUNY Niagara believes in employing instructors with the highest degree of education as well as work experience in order to enhance the student’s learning experience.

Students wishing to attain an associate degree may do so by continuing study in the Associate in Applied Science Pastry Arts program or the Associate in Applied Science Individual Studies program.

SUNY Niagara provides both academic and personal support to students at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute comparable to those available at the Main Campus. In addition to the basic skills courses, students are able to improve their skills by receiving assistance in the library resource area, which can be configured as a site to accommodate alternative testing arrangements for individual students as needed.  Academic counseling is available from the student’s faculty member and student services staff who can help students clarify their personal and academic goals, identify behavioral and social obstacles, and explore available resources for achieving their goals.

The Baking and Pastry Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, Inc., 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095, (800) 624-9458.

Admission

Students admitted in fall and spring.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To provide students with the basic knowledge of baking and pastry techniques that will prepare them for employment
  • To learn how to work in a safe and sanitary environment for food preparation and service

Program Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of kitchen etiquette and professionalism
  • Apply proper sanitation and safety techniques while demonstrating proper knife handling and care for equipment
  • Apply purchasing principles to the operation of a bakery, and/or pastry shop
  • Demonstrate baking theory and principles in the production of quality desserts
  • Demonstrate an understanding of baking and pastry foundations
  • Differentiate between the many types of classical pastries

Program Requirements (BAKE)


  1. A total of at least 27-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the certificate.
  2. Because the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is not a branch campus, students enrolled at NFCI must take at least one course on the Sanborn campus that is required in the program.
  3. Baking and Pastry Arts: A minimum of 24-credit hours to include:
     
     **
     **
     **
     **
    PAS 110 - Baking Foundations **
    PAS 202 - Specialty Cakes **
    PAS 205 - Bakery Experience I **
      
  4. Communication - Oral (COMO) General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    SPE 101 - Speech Communication  
  5. At least a C grade in all pastry arts laboratory courses

Typical Program


Because the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is not a branch campus, students enrolled at NFCI must take at least one course on the Sanborn campus that is required in the program.

Note:


Part-time students can complete the certificate program by taking course offerings at a lighter load over an extended period.

** A minimum “C” grade is required in PAS 101, 102, 103, 106, 110, 202 and 205.

Additional Costs


Students must purchase an NFCI uniform and Pastry Kit. Detailed information can be obtained by contacting the division office at (716) 210-2540.

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to SUNY Niagara students. Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships. The SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office is located within the Foundation Office, A-265 or by phone (716) 614-5910.

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