- Credential
- Associate in Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
- Published length
- 2 years; 69 credits across 5 terms
- Format
- On-campus pastry kitchens and work-based learning
- Campus
- Charlotte, NC — Central Campus
Who might consider this program?
For a student focused on pastry production who can plan around limited kitchen capacity and an admissions waitlist.
Central Piedmont lists this associate degree as a two-year, on-campus program at its Central Campus in Charlotte. Instruction spans artisan bread, cakes, plated desserts, chocolate, confections and production at bakery scale. The program combines classroom concepts with daily practical work in pastry kitchens and includes work-based learning opportunities. Its catalog describes intensive courses, many lasting approximately four weeks, with students expected to attend each class session in full. The program page explains that available kitchen space and instructor capacity limit cohort size. Joining the waitlist requires attending an information session and contacting the program team. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and meet ongoing program requirements. Required purchases include embroidered chef uniforms and a dedicated pastry tool kit; the college recommends allowing at least four weeks for uniform orders.
Source 1What does it cost?
These figures describe the selected campus and credential before gift aid. Each row states its scope; a tuition figure and a bundled school charge are different measures.
| Scenario | Amount and calculation | Still to add |
|---|---|---|
| NC resident: tuition only | $5,168 The 2026–27 plan has 14/15/9/17/14 credits. Applying the 16-credit semester cap gives 68 billable credits × $76 = $5,168 for NC residents; assumes the published sequence and unchanged rates. Source 1 · Source 2 | Mandatory college and lab fees, accident insurance, uniform, kit, scale, books and living expenses. |
| Nonresident: tuition only | $18,224 68 billable credits × $268 = $18,224 using the same capped semester sequence. Source 1 · Source 2 | Mandatory college and lab fees, accident insurance, uniform, kit, scale, books and living expenses. |
Fees, equipment and other expenses
The program requires its specified pastry toolkit, new school uniforms and a digital scale with at least 11-pound capacity. Embroidered uniforms need at least four weeks of lead time. A current itemized supply price was not published on the reviewed program page; do not substitute the cost of a generic knife kit.
Calculations assume current rates continue, no repeated courses and the stated course load. Living costs and lost earnings are separate. Loans do not reduce the price.
Add your living costs and gift aid →Can it fit around a job?
The current catalog describes most classes Monday–Thursday, approximately 8 a.m.–3 p.m., sometimes starting at 7 a.m., often in four-week blocks. This is a daytime sequence; confirm the exact cohort timetable.
Source 1What practical training is involved?
The official program describes daily pastry production in specialized kitchens and work-based learning.
Source 1Before you apply
Attend the required information session and faculty advising to obtain course permission. Cohorts have 14 seats; follow the prescribed course sequence. CUL/BPA laboratory classes require accident medical insurance.
What still needs an individual answer
- Waitlist timing can delay the start date.
- Reordering courses or attending part time can change the benefit of the semester tuition cap.
- School uniforms, the specified kit, insurance and course fees are extra.
Questions for your enrollment or advising appointment
- How long is the current waitlist and when is the next information session?
- What are the actual daily lab hours for the next entering cohort?
- What is the full cost of uniforms, pastry tools, lab fees and required materials?
Sources & further reading
Source information checked September 25, 2026.
By Culinary Field Guide · AI-assisted research of official sources. No campus visit or personal attendance is claimed. Research method and limitations.