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.

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.

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.

Ceramics, MFA degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CCER-601    Ceramics Practice    6
CCER-611    
Ceramic Processes
6
STAR-701    Technology in the Studio    3
STAR-702    Studio Art Research    3
STAR-714    Ideation and Series    3
     
Open Electives
6
     
Professional Elective
3
Second Year
CCER-601    Ceramics Practice    6
CCER-611    
Ceramic Processes
6
STAR-706    Business Practices for Studio Artists    3
STAR-718    Research Methods and Publication    3
STAR-790    Research and Thesis    3
STAR-890    Thesis    6
     
Open Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
60
Professional Electives
Course
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

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Admission Requirements

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

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• 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 in a field of arts, sciences, or education.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a portfolio. Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000