Glass Option - Studio Arts BFA | College of Art and Design

Expand your interest with a glassblowing degree emphasizing research, idea development, and material exploration to ensure professional success.

Co-op/Internship Encouraged

Overview for Glass Option - Studio Arts BFA

Why Study Glass Studio Arts at RIT

College Preparation Workshops: High school juniors and seniors can participate in the two-week School of Art's annual Pre-College Portfolio Preparation Workshop.
Exhibit your Work: During senior year, your final body of work will be featured in a gallery.

This BFA glass degree cultivates artists who are as versatile in their making as they are in their thinking. This option is part of the s tudio arts BFA program.

RIT’s Studio Arts BFA- Glass Option

RIT’s glassblowing major offers a rigorous and diversified curriculum that cultivates artists with diversified and informed creative potential with glass in:

Glassblowing
Flame-working
Hot and kiln casting
Cold-working
Kiln-forming
Glass imaging processes
Three-dimensional digital technologies

Students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed as professionals with an emphasis placed on:

Research
Idea development
Material exploration
Execution
Presentation

Studio Residency Program

The glass option also offers a Glass Studio Residency Program for artists interested in pursuing glass-related research at RIT.

Act Sooner. Know Earlier.

First-year students can apply Early Decision by Jan. 1 to get an admissions and financial aid estimate by mid-January.

Explore other benefits

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

Artistic Director	Creative Director
Independent Artist	Small Business Owner/Operator
Professional Artist Assistant	Professional Designer
Professional Gaffer	Professional Fabricator
Freelance Artist Assistant	Freelance Designer
Freelance Fabricator	Freelance Gaffer
Gallery Director	Gallery Preparator
Exhibition Curator	Studio Technician
Studio Technician Assistant	Professional Hot Shop Employee
Professional Kiln Studio Employee	Professional Cold Working Employee
Education Director	Glass Education: High School Teaching
Glass Education: Undergraduate/Graduate Teaching	Glass Education: Public Access Studio Teaching
Glass Education: Public Demonstration/Narration for Museums, Art Centers, Education Centers	Glass Education: Material Study Workshop Teaching
Glass Education: Registrar/Administration	Glass Industry: Architecture
Glass Industry: Scientific Instrumentation	Glass Industry: Equipment/Tool Manufacturing

Industries

Performing and Fine Arts
Higher Education
Design
Museum

Cooperative Education and Internships

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your a rt and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Students in the glass option are strongly encouraged to complete a cooperative education or internship experience.

Creative Industry Days

Connect with Design Industry Leaders

RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Days, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. Creative Industry Days are a series of events that allow you to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and full-time employment positions.

Featured Work

Cover of the New Glass Review publication.

Faculty featured in 'New Glass Review'

David Schnuckel, Suzanne Peck

RIT glass faculty Suzanne Peck and David Schnuckel were both selected for the 42nd issue of New Glass Review, the Corning Museum of Glass’ flagship publication showcasing 100 timely, innovative glass...

Side by side posters about glass art language.

Rewriting the language of glass art

Suzanne Peck

Suzanne Peck, lecturer of glass, was featured in "New Glass Now," a group exhibition organized by the Corning Museum of Glass that features innovative works by artists and collectives around...

Distinction in Contemporary Glass

RIT’s Glass programs were well represented in New Glass Review 41, Corning Museum of Glass’ annual publication highlighting innovative works from around the world. In 2020, six BFA and MFA alumni of...

Featured Profiles

Molten Glass 3D Printer

RIT's glass program hosted the artist/designer/engineer team behind Evenline as artists in residence for the spring 2023 semester. The innovative company stationed its only-one-of-its-kind molten...

Pre-College Portfolio Prep Workshop

RIT's annual Pre-College Portfolio Preparation Workshop offers students an engaging and rewarding experience. The course, taught by our School of Art's drawing and painting faculty, is a visual arts...

Glass students put on an art performance incorporating elements of glass and color.

Glass-Color Science Collaboration

A hallmark of RIT's Glass BFA option and MFA program is forming enriching multidisciplinary partnerships — including with the Munsell Color Science Lab on campus.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Glass Option - Studio Arts BFA

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Studio Arts (glass option), BFA degree, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ARTH-###	Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Artistic Perspective)	3
ARTH-###	Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Global Perspective)	3
FDTN-111	Drawing I This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought, and expression through the drawing process and is the first of two sequential courses that are the foundation of the drawing curriculum in the College of Art and Design. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, and demonstrations which are designed to provide a broad introductory experience. Students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing and problem-solving skills related to form and composition. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).	3
FDTN-121	2D Design I This course is an introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design and is foundational to the College of Art and Design curriculum. The focus of this course is the development of visual and verbal vocabularies as a means of exploring and understanding two-dimensional design. Students will engage with a wide variety of media, tools, and techniques to develop skills while delving into the theoretical and experimentational processes of contemporary art and design. The exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience will be included in the curriculum. Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).	3
FDTN-131	3D Design I This course presents a progressive study in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design and is foundational to the College of Art and Design curriculum. Using hands-on problem solving, student will develop an informed understanding of the three-dimensional form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a three-dimensional composition. A heightened awareness of form and space will be developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students will also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation and critical analysis. Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).	3
Choose one of the following:		3
FDTN-112	Drawing II From observation of still life, the figure, and interior/exterior spaces, Drawing II continues to build on the foundation of the College of Art and Design drawing curriculum. This course continues the study of traditional drawing mediums and techniques while introducing color and a selection of contemporary practices and tools through examining organic and geometric mark making, form, space and value. Core concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, and demonstrations; the primary assessment method of course work will be through critiques which facilitate growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for self-expression, communication and continued development of creative practice and problem solving. Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
FDTN-212	Drawing II Workshop: Topics This course is an investigation of the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about a particular experience in drawing while still covering required foundation elements. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research and assigned projects.. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
Choose one of the following:		3
FDTN-132	3D Design II This is the second-semester of a sequential course. The focus is on composing three-dimensional form and its relationship to space. Students will build on their prior term experiences, which include the introduction to 3D principles, materials, and building processes. Students will develop the sophisticated skill of conceptualization. More advanced problems will be assigned and students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of material and process possibilities for their resolution. A heightened awareness of idea development and design research will be explored. Inclusion of 21st century themes in the arts of social cultural and community. (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring, Summer).
FDTN-232	3D Design II Workshop: Topic This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about 3D compositions within a more open and experimental realm while still covering the core Foundation concepts. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. The focus is on composing three-dimensional form and its relationship to space. Material exposure will be determined by the topic’s instructor. (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
YOPS-10	RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).	0
	General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)	3
	CAD Studio Elective†	3
	General Education – Social Perspective	3
Second Year
CGLS-206	Molten Glass Practice This course will introduce students to basic glass working processes in the hot glass studio. Solid and blown techniques are introduced as ways to activate ideas through molten glass. Students will learn introductory processes of finishing and further manipulating annealed glass in the cold shop. Students will build technical understanding and material comprehension in the application of these skills through assigned projects motivated by current themes in contemporary art. Fee: A course fee applied via student account. Studio 6 (Fall).	3
CGLS-211	Mold and Kiln Glass Practice This course will introduce students to basic mold making and glass working processes in the kiln studio. Fusing, slumping, and casting techniques will be covered as ways to activate ideas through kiln-formed glass. In addition, basic processes of finishing glass in the cold shop will also be introduced. Students will build technical understanding and material comprehension in the application of these skills within self-directed projects motivated by prompted themes found within contemporary art. There is a required out-of-class work time in glass studio at a minimum of 6-9 hours per week. Fee: A materials fee is required for this course and an additional course fee will be applied via student account Studio 6 (Fall).	3
CGLS-307	Hot Phenomena Glass Practice This hot glass course will allow students to discover and/or rediscover fundamental solid and blown techniques through a fresh lens of instruction and ideas. The cold shop will be an additional studio where students will learn to use the equipment to further their projects. Contemporary themes surrounding material experimentation, problem-solving and making a mess will be the springboards for prompted assignments. Fee: A course fee applied via student account. Studio 6 (Spring).	3
CGLS-312	Kinetic Glass Practice This course will introduce students to basic flame working processes. Solid working techniques with borosilicate glass will be covered as ways to activate ideas about making glass move. Basic processes of finishing and further manipulating annealed glass in the cold shop will also be introduced. Students will build technical understanding and material comprehension in the application of these processes. Students will develop projects motivated by themes regarding mechanics, the experimental, and absurdity. Fee: A course fee applied via student account Studio 6 (Spring).	3
FDTN-141	4D Design 4D Design introduces students to the basic concepts of art and design in time and space. The course explores elements of moving images such as continuity, still and moving image editing, transitions and syntax, sound and image relations, and principles of movement. Computers, video, photo, sound and lighting equipment are used to create short-form time-based work relevant to students in all majors and programs required to take this course. The course addresses the both historical conventions of time in art and recent technological advances, which are redefining the fields of Fine Art and Design. In focusing on the relations between students' spacing and timing skills, 4D Design extends and supplements the other Foundation courses, and prepares students for further work with time-based media. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).	3
STAR-503	CAD Drawing This class covers basic CAD (computer-aided design) drawing for both design and presentation. Topics covered will include a broad range of drawing types, three-dimensional modeling, and presentation techniques. The course includes demonstrations, lectures, group-discussions, projects, and presentations. At the completion of this course students will use skills obtained in CAD orthographic drawing and 3-dimensional modeling to refine and present ideas and projects. Lec/Lab 5 (Fall or Spring).	3
	Art History Elective‡	3
	General Education – Ethical Perspective	3
	General Education – Immersion 1 (WI-GE)	3
Choose one of the following:		3
	General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective
	General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
	General Education – Mathematical Perspective A or B
Third Year
CGLS-503	Glass Practice This course is designed for students to build an intermediate technical relationship with glass process and apply them to prompted studio projects and assignments. Course content will include an informative mix of studio instruction to support skill acquisition in the hot shop, kiln shop, cold shop, and flame shop which will equip the student to generate artwork in support of their personal interests, questions, and curiosities in unique instances of studio crossover. The exploration of technique will also lend way to practices of technical exercise, sample collecting, and failure-spurring experimentation of both material and process to further inform the student what their unique relationship to glass can be as they develop the cornerstones of their making practice and artistic identity. Fee: There is a course fee applied via student account (Prerequisites: CGLS-206 and CGLS-307 and CGLS-211 and CGLS-312 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).	6
CGLS-504	Glass Concepts This course is designed to establish an intermediate understanding and connection to concepts in contemporary glass as they relate to the broader field of contemporary art. Course content will include a chosen thematic focus relevant to issues in the contemporary art conversation that will influence student development through various research assignments, studio assignments, and group activities. Readings, group discussion, written responses, and material research will culminate in self-directed projects based on a proposed topic of student interest and investigation. Students will explore researched themes through conversation, presentations, ideation workshops, and group critiques to better place their personal interests and relationship to glass within a broader conversation of contemporary art. This course may be retaken for credit. Fee: A materials fee is required for the course, and an additional course fee applied via student account. (Prerequisites: CGLS-206 and CGLS-307 and CGLS-211 and CGLS-312 or equivalent courses.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).	6
STAR-311	Ideation and Series This course will examine appropriate skills and strategies to generate ideas and develop them effectively. Through personal and group generative idea exercises, journaling and research students will explore individual ideas and personal interests to produce a final series of creative works. (Prerequisites: FDTN-141 or equivalent course or students enrolled in the WOOD-AOS program.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).	3
	Art History Elective‡	3
	General Education – Immersion 2	3
	CAD Studio Elective†	3
	General Education – Elective	3
	Open Elective	3
Fourth Year
CGLS-503	Glass Practice This course is designed for students to build an intermediate technical relationship with glass process and apply them to prompted studio projects and assignments. Course content will include an informative mix of studio instruction to support skill acquisition in the hot shop, kiln shop, cold shop, and flame shop which will equip the student to generate artwork in support of their personal interests, questions, and curiosities in unique instances of studio crossover. The exploration of technique will also lend way to practices of technical exercise, sample collecting, and failure-spurring experimentation of both material and process to further inform the student what their unique relationship to glass can be as they develop the cornerstones of their making practice and artistic identity. Fee: There is a course fee applied via student account (Prerequisites: CGLS-206 and CGLS-307 and CGLS-211 and CGLS-312 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).	3
CGLS-504	Glass Concepts This course is designed to establish an intermediate understanding and connection to concepts in contemporary glass as they relate to the broader field of contemporary art. Course content will include a chosen thematic focus relevant to issues in the contemporary art conversation that will influence student development through various research assignments, studio assignments, and group activities. Readings, group discussion, written responses, and material research will culminate in self-directed projects based on a proposed topic of student interest and investigation. Students will explore researched themes through conversation, presentations, ideation workshops, and group critiques to better place their personal interests and relationship to glass within a broader conversation of contemporary art. This course may be retaken for credit. Fee: A materials fee is required for the course, and an additional course fee applied via student account. (Prerequisites: CGLS-206 and CGLS-307 and CGLS-211 and CGLS-312 or equivalent courses.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).	6
STAR-411	Business Practices for Artists (WI-PR) This course is devoted to business issues that artists must address including building and maintaining a portfolio, pricing and marketing strategies and public relations. Financial organization and communication skills are highlighted as are networking skills for the advancement of an artist’s work. (Prerequisites: (STAR-311 or CCER-302 or CCER-512 or CWFD-302 or CGLS-302 or CMTJ-302 or equivalent course and completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement) or student standing in WOOD-AOS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).	3
STAR-401	STAR Capstone This course will focus on the production and exhibition of a representative body of artwork. Students will participate in an articulated process of making, engaging in comprehensive research that expands and supports their work, developing a rationale for the use of media and process, creating sketches and models, and the refining work through critiquing and editing. All of this will culminate in the professional presentation of oral, written, and visual work that contextualizes the students’ positions within contemporary artistic practice. Students will also be involved in every aspect of their senior shows from creating the work to installing the exhibition and preparing marketing materials. (Prerequisites: STAR-311 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).	3
	CAD Studio Elective†	3
	General Education – Immersion 3	3
	Open Electives	9
Total Semester Credit Hours		120

Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

† CAD Studio Electives are any College of Art and Design course with a lab or studio component, per catalog restrictions.

‡ Art History electives are non-studio courses searchable in SIS with the Art History attribute of ARTH.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

Faculty

David Schnuckel

Assistant Professor

Suzanne Peck

Charlotte Mowris Fellow

Robin Cass

Professor

All Program Faculty

Facilities

Latest News

November 6, 2023

Prospective students explore RIT art and design programs at National Portfolio Day event

The College of Art and Design welcomed 226 young artists to campus for its National Portfolio Day event, where prospective students met one-on-one with faculty about their artwork and different programs.
August 30, 2023

New School of Design director, faculty hires ready for 2023-24 academic year

The College of Art and Design welcomes new hires to its faculty roster while longtime faculty Alex Lobos assumes a role as director of the School of Design.
April 28, 2023

RIT hosts glass 3D printer for research, multidisciplinary exploration

The first-of-its-kind technology is opening up new creative possibilities at RIT and beyond — it is working to fuel the future of sustainable manufacturing and even space travel.

More Program News