Some of the most versatile degree and certificate programs in the pastry arts can be found in New Mexico. Located in the major cities of Crownpoint, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, these curriculum’s include everything from Certificates to A.A.S (Associate of Applied Science) options with pastry and baking specializations.
Compared to the other two pastry chef schools, the Central New Mexico Community College is the most popular option. In 2009, approximately 95% of students interested in this career path attended this institution. Part of the reason for this campuses popularity is the diversity of the degree programs offered. For students seeking a short term educational option, the Baking Certificate is the ideal choice. But individuals who prefer to invest their time, and are willing to accept the increased tuition cost, the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts with Advanced Baking and Pastry Concentration is the best degree option. This program allows graduates to showcase their talents through a set of well-rounded culinary and pastry chef courses.
The other two colleges prospective students should consider are Navajo Technical College and Santa Fe Community College. However, the focus for the coursework is primarily baking and the general culinary arts. While this will not prevent you from being hired as an entry level pastry chef, it can make finding employment slightly more difficult.
One concern students may have before enrollment is how pastry chef jobs compare to other employment opportunities. Currently, the outlook is steady – and no decrease in anticipated. In fact, statistics anticipate the number of available jobs will increase by 8% by 2018.
Prospective students have a lot of different options when it comes to choosing a pastry chef school. Not sure where to start? Why not schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, and compare your options. In the end you will gain a quality education, skilled hands-on training and have an edge in this competitive niche of the culinary arts!
New Mexico Pastry Chef Schools
Albuquerque
School Name: Central New Mexico Community College
Address: 525 Buena Vista Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Contact: (505) 224-3160
Website: http://www.cnm.edu/
Baking Certificate
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts with Advanced Baking and Pastry Concentration
Crownpoint
School Name: Navajo Technical College (formerly Crownpoint Institute of Technology)
Address: P. O. Box 849, Crownpoint, NM 87313-084
Contact: (505) 786-4100
Website: http://www.navajotech.edu/
Professional Baking Certificate
Associate of Applied Science in Commercial Baking
Santa Fe
School Name: Santa Fe Community College
Address: 6401 Richards Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87508
Contact: (505) 428-1000
Website: http://www.sfcc.edu/
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Certificate in Patissier
