Program Overview

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Ceramics Master of Fine Arts Degree

Overview

The MFA in ceramics develops your intellectual and artistic thinking through an extensive curriculum. You will rigorously examine the work of historical and contemporary artists and craftspeople as you expand your knowledge of the techniques within the ceramics field. In-depth critiques give you a deep understanding of your own work as well as your peers to enhance your artistic expression and personal voice. Earning your degree in ceramics will deepen your understanding of aesthetics, forming processes, and fine art theory as it further enhances your career in ceramics.

Why Study Ceramics at RIT

• Intellectual and Artistic Development: Explore historical and contemporary ceramics, expanding both your scholarly and artistic thinking.
• Deep Understanding of Craft: Delve into techniques within ceramics while receiving in-depth critiques, enhancing personal expression and artistic voice.
• Thesis Progress Tracking: Participate in a structured thesis planning and implementation process, culminating in a formal critique and evaluation by a thesis committee.
• Studio Residency Opportunity: Gain hands-on experience through the Studio Residency Program, offering workspace, facilities access, and supportive instruction for aspiring ceramicists.

What is Ceramics?

Ceramics is an artistic craft in which objects from earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain (including pottery, vases, bowls, sculptures, tiles, and more) are created and shapes using a mixture of clay, silica, feldspar and other materials. Once an object has been created, it is fired in a kiln, or a high temperature oven. Afterwards, may ceramic objects are then decorated with paints, glazes, and other finishing materials.

MFA in Ceramics

RIT's MFA in ceramics focuses on artistic development through an intensive teaching of the aesthetics and techniques of ceramic design. Graduate studio courses, seminar courses, and in-depth critiques, in conjunction with thesis planning and implementation, provide students with a deep understanding of not only their own work but the work of other students and their peers. Students examine the creativity, perceptions, aesthetics, and criticism of the work of contemporary artists and craftspeople in courses and discussions. Thesis reviews track students' progress towards the final thesis presentation, which is completed when a formal critique and evaluation is performed by the thesis committee.

Studio Residency Program

The School for American Crafts offers a Studio Residency Program for students in ceramics, furniture design, glass, and metals and jewelry design. Residence positions are limited and are awarded after the review of all applicants’ portfolios, transcripts, and references. An interview is required. Accepted residents are required to register for one independent study credit during each semester of residence.

Accepted residents are expected to be present in their assigned studio during class hours and to contribute up to 10 hours of work per week in the main studio. These work hours are coordinated and overseen by the faculty in the resident's discipline. In exchange, the school will provide workspace, access to facilities, and supportive instruction. The resident is invited to participate in the full range of studio activities.

Participants may be those seeking additional studio experience prior to undergraduate or graduate study, early career professionals, or teachers on leave who wish to work again in an academic studio environment. The faculty in each discipline will make decisions concerning appropriate candidates.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Craft Artist
• Artist-in-Residence
• Sculptor
• Studio Technician

Cooperative Education and Internships

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your art and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in ceramics.

Featured Work and Profiles

• Alumni Spotlight: Tarrant Clements
• Embracing creativity and exploration
• Innovative 3D Printing Materials
• Paper Sculpture
• Mapping of Memories
• Indoor Garden

Curriculum

Ceramics, MFA degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • CCER-601: Ceramics Practice
  • CCER-611: Ceramic Processes
  • STAR-701: Technology in the Studio
  • STAR-702: Studio Art Research
  • STAR-714: Ideation and Series
  • Open Electives
  • Professional Elective
• Second Year
  • CCER-601: Ceramics Practice
  • CCER-611: Ceramic Processes
  • STAR-706: Business Practices for Studio Artists
  • STAR-718: Research Methods and Publication
  • STAR-790: Research and Thesis
  • STAR-890: Thesis
  • Open Elective

Professional Electives

• ARTH-600+: Any ARTH-600 level course or above
• IDEA-705: Thinking About Making: The Practice of Art in a Global Society
• IDEA-776: College Teaching and Learning
• STAR-635: Curating and Managing Art Spaces
• STAR-645: Art Exhibition Critique
• STAR-758: Studio Art Critique

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

• Admit Term(s): Fall
• Application Deadline: February 1 priority deadline, rolling thereafter
• STEM Designated: No

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Ceramics MFA program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: None
• Submit a portfolio. View portfolio requirements.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL: 79
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 56

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Crafts Scholarships

Students applying to the MFA programs in ceramics, glass, furniture design, and metals and jewelry design may apply for a competitive, full-tuition scholarship. Learn more about the crafts scholarships, including eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines to apply.

Faculty

• Jane Shellenbarger
• Ann Mowris Mulligan Endowed Professor
• Peter Pincus
• Associate Professor

Facilities

• Ceramics Graduate and Undergraduate Studio
• Ceramics Kiln Room
• Bevier Gallery

Related News

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