Studio Art Master’s with a Concentration in Ceramics

Program Overview

The rigorous M.F.A. in Studio Art with a Concentration in Ceramics emphasizes intellectual and creative growth, fostering students' artistic development through hands-on exploration, faculty mentorship, and advanced technical skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in education, museum work, and the arts. The program boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, offering a variety of courses that delve into the rich history and contemporary practices of the medium.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Studio Art with a Concentration in Ceramics is a rigorous, hands-on program that delves into the multifaceted nature of clay as a medium. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the rich history of ceramic objects across cultures and time periods. Students engage with faculty, peers, and visiting artists to gain a deep understanding of contemporary ceramic practices and ideas. The program culminates in a solo exhibition, integrating creative research, contemporary theory, and studio practice. It emphasizes intellectual and creative growth, fostering students' artistic development and preparing them for a lifetime of accomplishment and meaningful contributions as culture creators. The program caters to individual student needs through the development of conceptual, aesthetic, and advanced technical skills. It is led by nationally and internationally recognized artists and educators who are dedicated to intellectual and creative research.

Teaching:

The program is taught by passionate faculty who are committed to helping students reach their full potential. The program emphasizes a blend of studio practice, group critique, and theoretical exploration.

Careers:

Graduates of the Studio Art Master’s with a Concentration in Ceramics program are prepared for diverse career pathways in education, museum work, and the arts. Potential employment opportunities include:

• Serving as a professor, lecturer, or technician in a college or university
• Pottery or ceramics instructor
• General art teacher in elementary/high schools; or workshop leader
• Ceramics restoration
• Advising on museum displays and the cleaning and care of antique ceramics
• Self-employed entrepreneurs
• Working for manufacturers or large-scale studios in areas such as tableware production, home furnishings, tourism and cottage industry, and commissions for private clients
The overall employment of fine artists is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Other:

• Notable facilities and equipment: The program boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including two Blaauw gas kilns, soda/salt kilns, wood kiln, raku kiln, computer-controlled electric kilns, full-spectrum decal printer, clay mixers, and digital fabrication equipment such as three and five axis CNC routers, CNC plasma cutters, laser cutters, and resin printers.
• Dedicated facilities: Ceramics classes are housed in a new state-of-the-art facility that includes indoor and outdoor kiln areas, critique space, and private studio spaces for graduate students.
• Diverse research and art-making: The program is proud of its diverse research modes and art-making processes, and the many successes of its Ceramics graduates who make their impact through creative inquiry, scholarship, and innovation.
• Location: Housed in a world-class Tier 1 research institution, CVAD is a short drive from the vibrant cultural capitals of Dallas and Fort Worth and a lively arts community in Denton.
• Program courses: The program offers a variety of courses, including:
• Seminar in University Art Teaching (3 hrs)
• Praxis: Rotating Topics (3 hrs)
• Professional Practices for the Studio Artist (3 hrs)
• MFA Project In Lieu of Thesis Research (3 hrs)
• MFA Project in Lieu of Thesis (3 hrs)
• Topics in Studio Art (3 hr)