About Our Program

Estrella Mountain Community College offers a two year A.A.S. degree program in Culinary Studies as well as a Baking and Pastry Certificate.  Students are provided with a broad expanse of culinary arts that includes culinary theory and hospitality courses, as well as over 500 hours of lab work in our fully equipped, hands-on kitchen.  In addition, our general education credits are fully transferable to many four year colleges and universities throughout the region.  Our mission is to provide a well rounded education that will give students the skills and experience needed to obtain a position in a professional kitchen, at a fraction of the cost of other Arizona programs.

In addition to courses in sanitation, restaurant management, and food cost systems, students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of lab based courses.  The majority of the lab production is served in our on-campus restaurant, Regions.  Students will be exposed to American and International Cuisine, baking and pastry arts, as well as catering and banquet services.  Most labs are broken down to 8 week sessions, with students participating in eight different areas of food service over the two year program.

The Baking and Pastry Certificate at Estrella Mountain Community College offers quality instruction, hands-on training, and competitive tuition.  With classes offered in Commercial Baking, Specialty Breads, Breakfast Pastry, Wedding Cakes, Classical Desserts, Advanced Pastry, and Bakery Retail Operations, students will receive a well rounded education that will prepare them for a job in the baking and pastry industry.  Graduates of the Baking and Pastry Certificate Program are prepared for entry level positions in the bakeries of restaurants, hotels, and catering operations.  Successful experience in these areas can lead the graduate into management positions of pastry chef, executive pastry chef, bakery owner, and instructor.

Students are required to purchase knives and uniforms for these programs.

To learn more about the program, or schedule a visit, please contact Steve Griffiths, Program Director of Culinary Studies.