Ceramics Option - Studio Arts BFA Option
Ceramics Option
Studio Arts BFA
Overview
The ceramics degree option lets you explore your artistic expression in a dynamic environment. The curriculum focuses on intellectual development and practical knowledge within the context of art, craft, and design. You will learn the fundamental processes within ceramics, such as wheel-throwing, hand-building, mold-making, glazing, and material science. Individual critiques and group discussion will develop your personal aesthetic and enhance your critical thinking skills. RIT’s ceramics degree option prepares you with the professional and practical skills needed to establish a career in your field. This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA program.
The ceramics option provides a dynamic environment where intellectual discourse and craftsmanship thrives. Students focus on intellectual development, technical skill, and practical knowledge. The curriculum supports a range of fundamental topics within ceramics, such as sculpture, pottery, mold-making, glazing, firing, and material science and personal aesthetic development with individual critiques and group discussions. Students selecting this option are equipped with the professional and practical skills necessary to operate a studio business.
Undergraduate Viewbook
The College of Art and Design is RIT’s intersection of technology, the arts and design — where creativity and innovation are boundless.
School of Art Brochure
Blend traditional methods of making with cutting-edge technology across a broad spectrum of programs.
A virtual career exploration event
50+ future-focused workshops for rising high school seniors to plan for college.
Industries
Careers and Salary Info
Typical Job Titles
| Art Critic | Artist-in-Residence |
| Ceramic Artist | Clay and Glaze Chemist |
| Commercial Designer | Curatorial Assistant |
| Gallery Owner | Independent Designer |
| Materials Specialist | Slip-casting Technician |
| Sculptor | Studio Manager |
| Studio Technician |
Salary and Career Information for Studio Arts BFA
Featured Work
Artistic Expression
Capstone work from Carly Trine ’21 (Ceramics).
Sculpture and Self Portraiture
Jacob Dambra
The elephant ceramic sculpture was completed for the sophomore animal project, an assignment to create a sculpture representing a human-animal relationship.
Ceramic Sculpture
Marian Draper
“Teddy” (above) “The rhinoceros I created is named Theodore, or Teddy for short,” Draper said. “He is the result of a project that we did in the first semester of my sophomore year. My...
Featured Profiles
Throw Your Own Way
Heather Shields '25
Mikey Gambino has roots in pottery dating back to high school, when he and his father transformed a basement room into a ceramics studio. That introduction to the artform ultimately motivated him to...
Student Spotlight: Marian Draper
Marian Draper's ceramics practice draws heavy inspiration from historical objects, with her utilitarian vessels blurring the line between functional and sculptural ceramics.
Course Explores Traditional and Contemporary Pottery
Peter Pincus
A ceramics class for non-majors allowed students from various disciplines to investigate the connective tissue between the earliest forms of the field and the contemporary pottery practices of...
Admission Requirements
This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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May 3, 2022
![Marian Draper holds one of her vessels in her personal workspace in RIT's ceramics studio.]()
Ceramics student finds artistic voice in crafting history-inspired vessels
From the moment she placed her hands on a clay-spattered potter's wheel in high school, Marian Draper '22 was hooked. Shaping and forming her visions on a wheel became the gateway to artistic growth.
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April 7, 2022
![A headshot of Nate Rohman.]()
Academic advisor receives Provost’s Award for dedication to student success
Nate Rohman, academic advisor for RIT's graphic design and studio arts BFA programs, will be honored April 12 at the Celebration of Teaching and Scholarship ceremony.
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December 20, 2021
![A group of students receives portfolio reviews from professional artists, including faculty.]()
Portfolio review event punctuates professional development class
Equipped with newly-developed professional skills and materials, students from Ceramics, Fine Art Photography and Metals and Jewelry gained insightful feedback on their work from 11 artists to wrap up the fall semester.
