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What is Ceramic Arts?

Ceramic Arts is a field of study within the visual arts made from ceramic materials.  Ceramic materials in this medium of visual arts can include clay, tile, art ware, figurines, and tableware.

Some pieces of ceramic art may be considered works of art while others are defined as decorative pieces, industrial art, or applied art objects.  Ceramic arts is one of the plastic arts along with sculpting which somewhat belies its name.  It is known as a plastic art given the historical definition of artwork that entailed specific synthetic organic materials.

Plastic arts involves the manipulation or molding as seen in ceramics and Ceramic Arts and Ceramics along with visual arts such as film, painting, photography.  Ceramic art can be made by a single person or a group of artists in a studio or in a factory.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Ceramic Arts Degree

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is not only the state’s oldest state university, but it is also one of the world’s top state universities. In the United States, as a research-priority university, it is one of the educational institutions with the most research funding. 

Its ceramic art course allows students to express their personal art in various ceramic bodies and crafts. With its well-equipped studio, students were trained to make three-dimensional ceramics from oil-based and water-based clay. Its ceramic studio has casters and 15 electric wheels for small sculpture creation, as well as flat rollers and two extruders for large sculptures.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Rhode Island houses one of the United States of America’s first schools in arts and designs. The Providence Rhode Island School of Design was established in 1877 as a private and non-profit educational institution. 

The ceramic art professors not only instruct students how to develop their skills in ceramic sculpture, but also cultivate original thinking. They encourage students to innovate and discover new methods of artistic expression until they become experts in the professional field. Most alumni of the Rhode Island Ceramic Art and Design College find themselves running their own studio, designing products, specializing in mural painting, creating prototypes or teaching, and others.

Acceptance Rate

25.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

To train students to become leaders in their fields, Syracuse University works with scholars and receives hands-on research. Syracuse University helps to shape innovation, transformation and leadership.   A degree program in Ceramics helps students become professionals in ceramics. There are several directions for students to explore, including tile mosaics, pottery, and sculpture. Syracuse University has been teaching ceramic art for more than 110 years, with students from various courses in architecture, engineering, business and art.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Providence College is a Roman Catholic educational non-profit institution established in 1917. It started as an all-boys school and finally began to recruit girls for the next school year in 1970. 

Its ceramic components provide students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum that combines printmaking, drawing, design and sculpture with earth-based materials. Students study history, contemporary theories and materials, and develop skills at a professional level. When they study the dynamics of ceramics, they are finally trained to pursue innovation.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Texas Christian University is a sectarian private and non-profit school that specializes in various programs to equip students in the digital age. This school was founded in Worth, Texas in 1873 and is known for representing the cultural diversity of students from all over the world. 

Its ceramic art courses not only focus on publishing art research, but students can also enjoy art exhibits featuring their own works in famous galleries and museums. Its curriculum focuses on various disciplines, so students honed their skills as children's artists, teachers, and caretakers. With its art history, the professors aim to expand their understanding of artistic diversity students.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Washington, Seattle campus is known for its research programs and outstanding academic programs. The university is defined by its unshakable optimism about the endless possibilities in the universe.  One of the top universities which offers a ceramic arts program is UW’s Seattle’s campus. It provides students with a comprehensive experience in exploring the world of ceramics. Anyone can expect to avail a four degree at UW’s department for ceramics arts.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The State University of New York is a network of state universities and colleges. With its expanse and immensity, it receives a $10.7 billion grant for budget. 

Its Ceramic Arts is a part of Fine & Performing Arts. It is a master’s studies that focus on self-reliance, independence and confidence. Students are challenged to evaluate critically their creations in an interdisciplinary and material-specific framework. The program nurtures professional, conceptual as well as practical growth by providing an environment that combines studio research, skill development and theoretic dialogue.

Acceptance Rate

45.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The college of the Ozarks is a Catholic school that opens its facilities even to deserving students who don’t have much to afford an education. Its scholarship program enables students to get high-quality education while being exposed to first-hand experience in theoretical applications. 

With its Ceramic Arts program, students are taught about one of the world’s ancient materials in arts, the clay. Although the students have studied its rich culture and history, they are still encouraged to explore new technologies to maximize the potential of ceramics. Its facilities enable students to have confidence in the key points of art exhibition and creation skills.

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Dallas is a Catholic university offering on-campus and online courses. As a sectarian learning institution, its policies reflect Christian values to enable students to excel in their field of specialization without neglecting core values such as mutual respect and ethics. 

It offers an undergraduate and master’s studies in ceramics for mastery in technical skills and conceptual knowledge about one of the old materials used in fine arts. The program encourages students to explore traditional processes and discover or learn new technologies.

Acceptance Rate

45.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Bennington College is a leader in liberal arts. Established in 1932, the institute is reputed for its being competitive in all metrics.   The goal of the Ceramic Art Course at Bennington College is to make its students proficient in using clay to create world-class performance. This is an interdisciplinary research course that stimulated their interest in other fields such as environmental protection, mathematics and architecture. Mastering ceramic technology is a long-term commitment of Bennington College.

Acceptance Rate

60.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Temple University is a state-related public university and has a humble beginning as a night school by Russell Conwell. It strives to provide a vibrant environment through its innovative and leading rigorous faculty and research programs.  Temple University’s Tyler School for Arts and Architecture promotes a community of diverse thinkers and creators. Its top ranked ceramic are degree program is led by teachers with rich experience and a deep understanding of art. It promotes a closely integrated curriculum for students to explore traditional and experimental methods.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Pratt College campus provides excellent education quality for students from different cultural backgrounds. Its courses are consistently rated as one of the best courses in the United States.   It provides minor ceramics courses for students who are interested in using clay to create works of art but are pursuing different degrees. The program is designed for learners to gain and hone technical skills in ceramics. Overall, it is an impressive program to enrich any student’s conceptual knowledge in maximizing the potential of clay.

Acceptance Rate

55.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is proud to administer Brigham Young University. It specializes in the undergraduate, master’s studies, and doctoral degree. 

The goal of Brigham Young University's Ceramic Art School is to combine critical thinking with basic skills. Although the students are trained in ceramic traditions, the ultimate task is to allow them to expand this ceramic tradition to create original works. Students can even hold exhibitions abroad.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

One of the commitments of the Maryland Institute College of Arts is to provide a learning environment for students of diverse cultural background and mutual respect. Its concentration is directed towards excellence in academic performance. 

Its Ceramic Arts assures students to have their personal voice developed through its individualized study course. The curriculum includes development of technical skills with interdisciplinary thinking and innovation as the foundation. They are instructed about the modern medium trends as well as traditional ceramic creations.

Acceptance Rate

63.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Bradley University prepares its students for the challenges of the digital age with its state-of-the-art facilities and critical thinking faculty members. Its courses are designed to provide students with the necessary skills, expertise and knowledge at a professional level. 

Its ceramic art course includes a ceramic intensive course that immerses students in the principles and practice of one of the oldest materials used in artistic expression. Since education is a broad learning activity, students focus on exploring and honing their expressive skills. Bradley University offers three degrees in Ceramic Arts depending on the preference of the students.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian evangelical university of the Wesleyan Church. It was originally founded as Marion College and now functioning as Indiana Wesleyan University with a mission to shape their world through scholarship, character, and leadership.  Students can find a unique community of artists at Indiana Wesleyan University’ division for ceramic and arts. It is distinguished by the pursuit and embodiment of positively changing Christian values. In addition, its art courses provide students with opportunities to explore and hone ceramic art and design skills.

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Mississippi College is a world-class university, influenced and affiliated by the Baptist Church. It is the oldest university in Mississippi and aims to improve the community through the teachings of Christ.  In its art department, students who aspire to produce art and design will get a teaching and learning environment that inspires them. The introduction to ceramics (called Art 351) is 3 hours, specifically for the art major. Its purpose is to introduce students to a basic understanding of ceramic design.

Acceptance Rate

42.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

A successful career began at Kansas City College of Art. These courses are tailor-made for students, aiming to create their own future path.   The teachers at Kansas City College of Art believe that ceramics is a classic multi-purpose art. As students explore not only mature technology, but also the possibility of creating novel ceramic crafts, its potential as the main material in art is unlimited. They teach students to take risks to master their technical skills.

Acceptance Rate

56.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

For six consecutive years, the Arcadia University kept the title for being the “Best in Northeast” according to The Princeton Review. It is a global university situated in Philadelphia and recognized as a leader in education even in the international community.

The Arcadia University’s visual arts program provides a rewarding learning experience for its students. It offers hands-on apprenticeships and internships as well as opportunities to pursue studies abroad. Its art and design department has upgraded facilities to achieve its goal of pursuing excellence and sustainable development to adapt to its evolving ecological outlook. The facility now includes a clay recovery room, gypsum laboratory and complex gas kiln.

Acceptance Rate

65.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The mission of Hood College is to equip students to deal with global, professional and personal challenges. Hood College was established in 1893 and is an independent, co-educational and humanities college.   When it comes to Ceramic Arts, Hood College offers workshops to fit all ranges of skills, as well as undergraduate and master’s studies. In order to meet the busy schedule of students, courses are offered on weekends and evenings. Whatever choice is made in Ceramics, students are assured of intensive experience in skill development, experiential and technical learning and well-structured curriculum grounded on aesthetics.

Acceptance Rate

65.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Anderson College is known for its commitment to serving the public and the community through different courses and programs in healthcare and other services. The institution is defined by its caring nature and values, and is reflected in its system and core values.  Anderson College is proud of its caring mentors and staff. Art students can enjoy a community of inspired artists and a support department designed to help them grow into an artist.  Their art degrees include several professional fields including ceramics.

Acceptance Rate

68.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Oregon is reputed to be among the best research educations in the world with its nine schools and colleges. It ranks first in Oregon State University and is labeled Tier in the National State Research University.  Its Department of Arts, under which the Ceramics is nestled, strengthens creative practice, excellence and open inquiry. Cultivate students' critical thinking, communication skills and creativity. The plan is customized, enabling students to think outside the box and create new ideas, techniques and processes.

Acceptance Rate

81.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Puget Sound is a residential, independent private school offering liberal arts and international programs. It is known for producing high-quality graduates who become leaders in their chosen field.   Its Ceramics courses are conceptualized for hands-on approaches. Each approach is individualized to suit the student’s skills and pacing. Students explore technology through demonstration and learn principles through philosophy.

Acceptance Rate

83.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Creativity and innovation are the basic elements which Rochester Institute of Technology uses in training their students. Combining arts and design, and technology, their mission is to improve the world and shape the future. 

The Rochester Institute of Technology offers a master’s study and a bachelor’s degree. Its ceramics degree option allows students to discover their artistic expression in an interactive environment. Its program concentrates on developing the student’s intellectual skills as well as their practical knowledge.

Acceptance Rate

70.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Alfred University is famous for its tagline: Out of Ordinary. It is an institution for individuals facing the future, and an institution for relentless pursuit of excellence and improvement.

Alfred University offers of the best ceramic art degree courses in the country. The master program is accessible by arts students through the university’s state-of-the -art facilities and centers. This is a 2-year program with an experimental and encompassing curriculum which delves into all genres in the world of ceramics arts.

Acceptance Rate

62.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Best Degrees in Ceramics

Art students looking to find the best ceramics program will need to start with understanding the programs available. Degree programs for students looking to study ceramic arts, both undergraduate and graduate options along with certificate programs at accredited colleges and universities across the country.

To determine the best degrees ceramic arts for you, simply request information from schools listed on this resource page to determine how they fit with your goals and objectives. A summary of ceramic arts programs is listed below to help you best understand your degree options.

Ceramic Art Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelors degrees in ceramic arts are conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Degrees at this level are designed to take students 4-years to complete. BA and BFA degree programs meld liberal arts education with fine arts and studio arts to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Liberal arts programs typically include a combination of the following types of classes: philosophy, communications, history, sociology, math, and psychology. Core curricula in ceramics will include a cross-section of classes such as ceramic wheel basics, ceramic fundamentals, sculptures, glaze application, ceramic decorations, electric kilns, ceramic materials, kiln technology, kiln firing, history of ceramics, and visual arts.

Graduate Certificates in Ceramic Art

Graduate certificates in ceramics will vary widely by institution. Some schools will provide certificate programs in a defined area of study such as surface treatments, wheel, firing, art history, sculpture, kiln technology, and hand-building.

Within each specialty, students can take a set of singularly focused classes or a clustering of classes. As a result of this variation, graduate certificate programs can last a few weeks to a few years. To learn more about which graduate certificate program is best for you, simply connect with accredited colleges and universities offering top-tier studio arts programs.

Ceramic Arts Master's Degrees

A Masters degree in ceramics is conferred as a Master in Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA). Master degree schools offer degrees can last 1-2 years depending on the course structure and program emphasis. In many cases, ceramics master degree students will be able to select an area of emphasis to study and map out courses in ceramics in conjunction with an academic advisor. The master degree highest available at most colleges as the ceramics degree programs terminating at this level. Areas of emphasis may include:

  • Teaching Ceramic Art
  • Photographic Ceramics
  • Arts Management & Marketing
  • Kiln Design & Construction
  • Wood Firing Theory & Soda Firing Theory
  • Ceramic Decoration
  • Clay Chemistry and Glaze Chemistry
  • Composite Sculpture
  • Creating with Porcelain
  • Glaze Applications
  • East Asian Wedged Coil Technique

Colleges Requirement to Study Ceramic Arts

In terms of educational requirements, Ceramic Arts and Ceramics degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college. It is important to note that each college will derive their own curricular design and course requirements.

Employment in Ceramic Arts

Of the ceramics students graduated with a bachelor or master degree, they will have acquired a specific set of specialized skills. While the vocations related to ceramics are narrow, career options can include a variety of associated vocations. Examples of careers for ceramics students include teaching high school students, independent artist, working at museums, art gallery manager, research specialist, art historian, art critic, auctioneer, and art author.

Ceramic Jobs and Career Outlook

Careers in the arts continue to be pacing with the national average for all occupations.  Jobs like teaching are outstripping the national baseline substantially.  In fact, job growth for college professors is projected to increase by 13% while high school teachers should see a 7% bump in jobs during the next ten years.

The mean annual income for ceramic artists is currently $57,520 with the median income just above $49,000 a year.  The largest employers of ceramic artists include independent art studios, motion picture industry, retail stores, colleges, and publishers.  States employing the most ceramic artists include California and New York followed by Florida, Texas, and Ohio.

Additional Resources for Ceramic Students

Read more information about the arts degree industry by researching regional and/or national organizations focused on this trade.  Associations such as the Ceramic Association (CA), National Council on the Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), US Advanced Ceramics Association (USACA), and the Contemporary Ceramic Art Association (CCAA).  These groups focus on advancing the field of ceramics, provide education opportunities, and professional networking for individuals in this career.

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