Online Baking Courses and Learning Programs

Baking courses and learning programs provide students with professional baking skills for items like bread; these programs are frequently combined with pastry arts programs and also cover the baking of cakes, pies, cupcakes and other desserts. Although the hands-on nature of baking makes an online program impractical, students can take courses in certain topics online. These might include baking terminology, food safety regulations, entrepreneurship and bakery operations.

Online Baking Courses and Learning Programs

Baking courses and learning programs with an online component may be offered by vocational schools and colleges, usually as part of a degree, degree-completion or certificate program. Programs might lead to a Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts or a bachelor's degree in culinary arts, among similar options.
While a few baking courses may be offered online, the majority of the program will likely require on-campus training in a kitchen laboratory; many programs also include on-the-job training through internships. Graduates might find employment in bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants and hospitality businesses.

Online Requirements

Students taking online courses related to baking need a computer with Internet access and an e-mail address for correspondence with instructors. Schools that use a Web course management system like Blackboard require students to have a compatible browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Word processing software (such as Microsoft Word) is also required for creating, saving, managing and downloading course materials, such as readings and lecture notes. Computers must have a current operating system, and students may also need headphones and speakers to listen to audio materials.

List of Online Courses Related to Baking

Sanitation and Safety Course

Students are introduced to the basic theories of safety and sanitation and its relevance in the hospitality industry. This course covers topics such as safety and sanitary codes and regulations, food-borne illnesses, personal hygiene, care and use of baking equipment and the implementation of sanitary procedures in the workplace.

Food Purchasing Course

Analyzing the types and quantities of ingredients to buy is the focus of this course. Students learn to consider factors such as recipe yield, cost control, supplier relationships and inventory management when planning purchases of baking staples like flour and sugar. Predicting what stock a kitchen will need based on the popularity of previous menu items is also introduced.

Menu Design Course

This course teaches aspiring bakers how to plan a menu, with attention to both choosing appropriate food items to offer and considering the aesthetic aspects of menu design. Food trends, nutritional concerns, layouts, recipe costs and customer demographics are all examined. Assignments for online students may involve creating sample professional menus.

Hospitality Management Course

The business side of operating a bakery or kitchen and supervising employees is introduced in this online course. Promoting a business, maintaining staff schedules and streamlining food production are covered. Some basic information about accounting may also be included.