MA in
Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Introduction
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 of ceramics design. 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 MFA in ceramics will deepen your understanding of aesthetics, forming processes, and fine art theory.
The ceramics program 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. The thesis reviews track students' progress towards the final thesis presentation, which is completed when a formal critique and evaluation are performed by the thesis committee.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
RIT awards more than $37 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op: cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
Work-Study: graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 9,000 jobs available each year, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during break periods.
Curriculum
Ceramics, MFA degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- CCER-601 Ceramics Graduate Studio
- STAR-701 Technology in Studio
- STAR-702 Studio Art Research
- STAR-714 Ideation and Series
- Free Electives
- Professional Elective
Second Year
- CCER-601 Ceramics Graduate Studio
- STAR-706 Business Practices for Studio Artists
- STAR-718 Research Methods and Publication
- STAR-790 Research and Thesis
- STAR-890 These
- Free Elective
Career Opportunities
Industries
- Performing and Fine Arts
- Fashion
- Design
- Higher Education
Typical Job Titles
- Craft Artist
- Sculptor
English Language Requirements
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