- Credential
- Baking & Pastry — Specialized Diploma
- Published length
- 1 year; 3 consecutive semesters; 25 credits
- Format
- Part-time campus study with evening and weekend courses
- Campus
- Bethlehem, PA
Who might consider this program?
A pastry-focused option for students who need documented evening and weekend classes while continuing other commitments.
Northampton awards a Specialized Diploma in Baking & Pastry, rather than a certificate or associate degree. Its Bethlehem program is designed for part-time attendance across three consecutive semesters, beginning in fall. The published 25-credit map distributes study as 7, 9 and 9 credits, with prerequisites linking the later baking courses. Students begin with baking fundamentals and then develop breads, cakes, tortes, cookies, smaller desserts and plated presentations. The program page describes work in commercial kitchens and the Hampton Winds student restaurant, along with instruction in recipe calculations and safe food handling. ServSafe requirements should be clarified during advising because the program map identifies current certification as a condition for later courses. The evening and weekend format is documented, although applicants still need the specific timetable and confirmation of seating for their intended start.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsoring district: tuition + standard fees | $5,175 25 × ($140 tuition + $30 comprehensive fee + $37 technology fee) = $5,175. Map is 7/9/9 credits, below flat-rate billing. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | Course-specific fees, supplies, books and living costs excluded. |
| Monroe County: tuition + standard fees | $7,875 25 × $315 combined part-time rate = $7,875. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | Course-specific fees, supplies, books and living costs excluded. |
| Other Pennsylvania county: tuition + standard fees | $10,475 25 × $419 combined part-time rate = $10,475. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | Course-specific fees, supplies, books and living costs excluded. |
| Out of state: tuition + standard fees | $13,975 25 × $559 combined part-time rate = $13,975. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | Course-specific fees, supplies, books and living costs excluded. |
Fees, equipment and other expenses
Sponsoring districts are Bangor, Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth, Northampton, Pen Argyl, Saucon Valley and Wilson. At that residency tier, the published $30 comprehensive and $37 technology fees add $1,675 across 25 credits before any course-specific expenses. The diploma's published 7/9/9-credit sequence stays below the college's 12-credit flat-rate threshold.
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 official program page explicitly advertises evening and weekend courses. Exact meeting days and times remain unknown and should be checked for the next cohort.
Source 1What practical training is involved?
The program describes commercial kitchen training and work with Hampton Winds; the map progresses through baking, bread and pastry techniques.
Source 1Before you apply
The published sequence starts in fall. Check ServSafe prerequisites and the exact evening/weekend timetable before enrolling.
What still needs an individual answer
- Sponsoring-district residency is narrower than simply living in Pennsylvania.
- Course fees and supply purchases remain additional to the published per-credit charges.
Questions for your enrollment or advising appointment
- Does my address qualify for the sponsoring-school-district tuition rate?
- What are the next fall cohort's exact evening and weekend meeting times?
- What are the current baking course fees, supply list and ServSafe examination requirements?
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.