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Classes are taught in state-of-the-art kitchen facilities at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The degree program will combine both classroom learning as well as laboratories.
The students gain valuable industry experience through various laboratory classes that run the school’s pastry shop, La Patisserie. They also gain experience working in the student-driven restaurant, “Savor,” preparing desserts and items for bread service.
The faculty at NFCI is certified by the American Culinary Federation and has 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 to enhance the student’s learning experience.
Students enrolled in this program will demonstrate the ability to engage in baking and pastry lab activities safely and effectively by performing essential tasks such as preparation, production, finishing, and cleanup. Students are expected to:
with or without reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In addition to the standard SUNY Niagara tuition and fees, Students in a Hospitality, Baking, & Pastry Art program may be required to purchase uniforms and kits.
NFCI UniformsNFCI Kits
Complete your associate degree within a year and a half! Students will have an opportunity to complete courses in Baking Foundations, Baking Theory and Principles, Breads, Rolls, Breakfast Pastries, Cakes & Tortes, Candies & Confections, Classical Pastry, Industry Experience, Plated Desserts, Showpieces, Specialty Cakes.
Career information and opportunities
Baking and Pastry Arts, A.A.S.
SUNY Niagara’s Baking and Pastry Arts A.A.S. trains you in breads, cakes, confections and plated desserts in about 16 months. You learn in professional kitchens at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.
Last updated: Oct. 21, 2026
What jobs can I get with a Baking and Pastry Arts A.A.S.?
You graduate ready to work in bakeries, pastry shops, restaurants, hotels and more.
Where can a baking career lead?
With experience, you can move into leading a kitchen or opening your own shop.
How do graduates do?
How much can I earn?
Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. The top 10% of bakers earn more than $49,020.
Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.
What is the job outlook?
The average for all jobs is 3%. There are about 36,500 openings for bakers each year across the country.
Where do bakers and pastry chefs work?
About 10% of bakers are self-employed. Many bakery jobs start early in the morning and include weekends and holidays.
Where will I get real-world experience?
Your instructors are certified by the American Culinary Federation and have worked at hotels and private clubs in Western New York.
How can I move up?
The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, and you graduate with American Culinary Federation certification.
Which courses prepare me for these jobs?
You also learn costing, purchasing and supervision, the business skills you need to run a bakery.