Sculpting Class

Ceramic Arts (Certificate) | CLOSED

Graduate
  • Certificate

About this Program

*Program closed. The College is not accepting applications at this time.

Program Overview

Through lectures and critiques, students explore the history of ceramics and the issues and ideas that underpin contemporary work

Exploring processes, building skills

The program emphasizes universal design principles and development of technical proficiency. Faculty who are themselves accomplished ceramic artists teach techniques, treatments and properties associated with clay, as well as forming, texture, color, surface decoration, glazing, firing and more. Outstanding facilities include a kiln pavilion that has five atmospheric kilns: exploratory research, production soda, large-scale sculpture, hybrid gas/soda/wood and a Sanderson ECO wood train.Through study and studio work, and hands-on experience with these kilns, students produce a comprehensive body of work.

Career focused

Secondary art teachers find the program ideal for obtaining continuing education credits or adding a ceramic arts focus to their teaching. Working artists and those considering a career in the field — perhaps in a gallery, production, a supply house or as an independent artist — benefit from courses in art management and marketing. The capstone project makes further career connections as students explore and define how their personal aesthetics communicate and connect with people in a way that is professionally viable.

Concentrated format, accelerated completion

Courses are concentrated in a series of intensive weekends throughout the year or in rigorous one-week and two-week sessions during the summer, allowing students to complete the program in as little as a year if they wish. Credits may be applied toward Hood’s M.A. or MFA in Ceramic Arts.

Workshops and Events

The Hood College Graduate School also offers workshops, studio courses and events designed to allow ceramic artists, both experienced and aspiring, to gain specialized knowledge in the field. 

Please note that graduate certificate programs are now eligible for loans.

Degrees Offered

  • Certificate

Program Requirements and Course Listings

Requirements for the Certificate

The certificate includes 14 credits of required coursework and a minimum of 4 credits of electives for a total of at least 18 credits.

Required (14 credits)

ARTS 501Glaze Application

1.0

ARTS 502East Asian Wedged Coil Technique

1.0

ARTS 505Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing Concepts

2.0

ARTS 508Ceramic Sculpture

3.0

ARTS 523Ceramic Materials

3.0

Capstone Courses

ARTS 569Survival Skills for Visual Artists

1.0

ARTS 570Seminar in Personal Studio Research

3.0

Electives (minimum 4 credits)

ARTS 500Ceramics:Sculpture/Handbuilding

3.0

ARTS 503Ceramic Wheel: Intensive Throwing

3.0

ARTS 504Ceramic Decoration

3.0

ARTS 506Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing II

2.0

ARTS 507Plates and Platters

1.0

ARTS 509Throwing Large Forms

3.0

ARTS 510Brush Making

1.0

ARTS 512Eastern & Western Tech in Trimming

1.0

ARTS 517Dynamic and Asymmetrical Wheel

3.0

ARTS 520Photographing Ceramics

1.0

ARTS 525Electric Kilns

1.0

ARTS 530Kiln Technology & Firing Theory

2.0

ARTS 531Wood Firing Theory

2.0

ARTS 532Firing Large Scale Wood Kiln

2.0

ARTS 540Clay/Glaze Chemistry Theory & Practice

3.0

ARTS 542Modeling the Figure

3.0

ARTS 543History of Ceramic Arts

3.0

ARTS 545Large Scale and Composite Sculpture

3.0

ARTS 547Creating with Porcelain

3.0

ARTS 564Aesthetics and Criticism

3.0

ARTS 575Independent Study

1.0 - 3.0

ARTS 590Teaching Assistant in Ceramic Arts

1.0 - 4.0

ARTS 599Special Topics in Ceramic Arts

1.0 - 3.0

The 18 credits required to earn the Graduate Certificate in Ceramic Arts can be completed in one year.

Candidates for the certificate program must have obtained a prior baccalaureate degree as a studio arts major, art education major or equivalent training in the arts. Students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than ceramics who provide evidence of life experience, skill and drive in the arts may be accepted at the discretion of the program director.

To be considered for admission to the certificate program, students must meet the following admission requirements:

  • A completed application to the Hood College Graduate School.
  • One copy of official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended (official transcripts required upon acceptance prior to enrollment).
  • An essay (500 words or less) discussing previous experience with ceramics/craft medias, current work and professional goals in relation to the certificate.
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with recent work (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).
  • A portfolio of high quality 300 DPI images in PDF format to include:
    • 10 images of current work.
    • A corresponding image list stating title of work, medium, size and dates of completion.
    • An artist statement about the portfolio work addressing concept, objectives and processes.
    • Resume.

Workshops are held during the Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms. Please review our current workshops and register using our secure registration site.

Program Contact

Chaz Martinsen, MFA

Program Director

Phone
(301) 696-3526
Nick Masucci

Assistant Director of Graduate Admission

Phone
Office: 301-696-3601 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-651-4015

Our advisory board...

provides support and assistance in the development of new programs, serves as ambassadors for our program and identifies best practice standards.

All Faculty
Lillian Ding, MFA

Graduate Alumna Focus | Lillian Ding

Lillian Ding, MFA Alumni Graduate School Graduate Student

Lillian Ding graduated from Hood College with an MFA in Ceramic Arts in September 2020. She received First Prize in 2018 and the President’s Choice Award in 2019 at Hood’s Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition Awards Ceremony.

  • Academics
  • Alumni Relations
Faith Ku

Graduate Student Spotlight | Faith Ku

Faith Ku, Ceramic Arts MFA Graduate School Graduate Student

"Hood College’s ceramics program is so unique as it offers a robust spectrum of classes that teach graduate students everything from the most basic to the more advanced aspects of ceramics."

  • Academics