Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics

The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University is a two-year, 60-credit master's degree program that offers a multitude of perspectives, approaches, and possibilities. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in ceramics, including hands-on learning and experiences, thesis exhibition, and research opportunities.

Program Overview

The program's curriculum empowers students to engage deeply and develop a holistic practice with supportive research and interdisciplinary exploration. Using a studio-based approach complemented by art history seminars, the program encourages students to develop individual direction and exchange ideas in the studio and across Philadelphia.

Hands-on Learning and Experiences

Tyler's graduate ceramics curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, as well as encouraging MFA students to take advantage of Philadelphia's art resources and institutions. With a wide range of tools and equipment, the program supports wheel work, mold-making and slip-casting projects, and digital fabrication. Large kilns are available for hand-building and sculpture.

Thesis Exhibition

An approved thesis exhibition, written statement of working philosophy, and a digital portfolio are required at the final review in order to meet the MFA requirements. The thesis exhibition should be the fruit of the two years' studio research and practice in which the student engaged. The student defends their thesis exhibition to the review committee.

Program Format & Curriculum

With core courses aligned over two weekdays, students have considerable flexibility and choice when selecting art history, elective, and seminar classes, either within Tyler's graduate curriculum or across the university. Courses in critique and critical discourse are foundational to the first year of study. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students also participate in directed studio research and an MFA thesis gallery exhibition in their final semester of study.

• Art History Seminar
• Critique and Critical Discourse I and II
• Directed Studio Practice
• Graduate Projects, Ceramics
• Master of Fine Arts Thesis

Related Graduate Certificates

• Cultural Analytics
• Teaching Art Education
• Teaching in Higher Education
• Teaching in Higher Education for Creative Disciplines

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.

• Pennsylvania resident: $1,361.00 per credit
• Out-of-state: $1,810.00 per credit

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture's degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies:

• National Association of Schools of Art and Design
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• National Architectural Accrediting Board (Master of Architecture)
• Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
• Planning Accreditation Board (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
• International Facilities Management Association (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)