Pursuing a career as a pastry chef in the Midwest can be challenging, and for residents of Iowa this is no exception. The focus in this area of the United States is on the culinary arts as opposed to this specific niche of dessert creation. So how does a prospective student find accredited pastry chef schools in this state – and is getting a certification or degree possible?
Currently, there are three potential educational options for graduating high school students and adults. Kirkwood Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College and Iowa Central Community College offer certifications and general degree programs to help individuals pursue an entry level career as a pastry chef, allowing them the ability to gain experience and become a recognized high-level professional.
But how do theses pastry chef courses compare to each other?
Kirkwood community college offers a general Degree in the Culinary Arts, where students can choose to add a bakery emphasis. While there is a slight difference between these two fields, this well-rounded program prepares individuals to become a pastry chef, baker or cake decorator.
Are you looking for a short term program that can help you gain hand-on training and education you can take into the real world? Then consider attending Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, where you can complete a baking certificate in 23 credit hours (3 semesters.) These courses provide the foundation for dessert creation and cake decorating (which can be ideal for students who want to specialize in creating general, wedding and birthday cakes.)
If you prefer to purse a pastry chef career, but desire a generalized coursework in the culinary arts to create a well rounded foundation – this third alternative may be the best choice for you. Iowa Central Community College does not offer a specialization in dessert creation, but their Associate in Applied Science in the Culinary Arts contains basic and advanced coursework that can help you pursue a career as a pastry chef.
Do you think you have found the right choice for you? Or do you want to learn more? Contact one of these schools or visit their website for more information about becoming a pastry chef today!
Iowa Pastry Chef Schools
Cedar Rapids
School Name: Kirkwood Community College
Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Contact: (800) 332-2055
Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu/
Degree in Culinary Arts (Bakery Emphasis)
Davenport
School Name: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Address: 306 West River Drive, Davenport, IA 52801
Contact: (800) 462-3255
Website: http://www.eicc.edu/index.html
Baking Certificate
Fort Dodge
School Name: Iowa Central Community College
Address: One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (Main Campus)
Contact: (800) 362-2793
Website: http://www.iowacentral.edu/default.asp
Associate in Applied Science in the Culinary Arts (General Culinary Degree with Baking & Pastry courses)
