Areas of Study
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics
Ceramics Program Description
Ceramics is a multifaceted art form that blends design, sculpture, and functionality. At Maine College of Art & Design, our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Ceramics invites students to explore the material's full potential — technically, artistically, and historically.
Through close mentorship with experienced faculty, students gain hands-on experience in every stage of the process, from clay formulation to glazing and firing. They develop a strong foundation in creating three-dimensional forms while learning to apply their skills to a personal creative practice.
Faculty members, including artist Patrick Coughlin, bring expertise in both contemporary design and ceramic tradition, exposing students to a range of perspectives and techniques.
In their final year, students present a self-directed body of work in the Senior Thesis Exhibition, demonstrating their growth and vision as ceramic artists.
Life After Graduation
A ceramics degree offers a versatile foundation for careers in the arts, design, education, and beyond. Graduates can shape their own paths in the creative world, with opportunities such as:
- Professional Artist or Ceramicist
Create and sell original works through galleries, exhibitions, or online platforms. Establish a personal studio or join an art collective. - Designer or Collaborator
Design functional and decorative pieces for home decor and interior design. Collaborate with architects or designers on custom installations. - Educator
Teach ceramics at art schools, universities, or community programs, guiding and inspiring the next generation of artists. - Curator or Museum Professional
Work in museums or cultural institutions curating exhibits, managing collections, or promoting the historical and cultural impact of ceramics. - Conservation and Restoration Specialist
Preserve and repair ceramic artifacts for museums, historic sites, or private clients. - Entrepreneur
Launch a ceramics-focused business, offering commissions, workshops, or even ceramic supplies and tools. - Research and Development
Contribute to innovation in ceramic materials, glazes, and firing techniques through work with manufacturers or research labs.
A ceramics BFA from Maine College of Art & Design equips graduates with the creative skills and technical knowledge to thrive in a wide range of fields.
Gallery
Program & Outcomes
Faculty
Sample Courses
CE 311 Glaze Chemistry & Kiln Firing
CE 351 Introduction to the Discipline – Ceramics and its Influence
SEM 354 Junior Seminar: Craft Topics-Practice
SEM 451 Professional Studio
Workspace & Tools
Wheels & Kilns: 30 electric wheels; 6 electric kilns; 2 test kilns; 2 downdraft gas car kilns; downdraft front-loading gas kiln; indoor Raku kiln; indoor soda kiln
Materials & Mixing Areas: Dedicated spaces for clay mixing, glaze mixing, and mold-making
Our curriculum offers a variety of courses that cover different aspects of ceramics, from hand-building and wheel throwing to figurative ceramics and glaze chemistry. You'll learn the art of kiln firing and explore the world of tableware and surface design. We also offer slip casting and press molding courses, allowing you to expand your skills and explore new techniques.
Ceramics majors have their own private studios during their third and fourth years with 24/7 access. The Majors' Studio fosters creative exploration and collaboration in a supportive environment.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Learn about the ways form addresses space.
- Learn about balance, stance, profile, symmetry and asymmetry, rhythm, movement, and scale.
- Learn about the formal issues of the vessel: the relationship of inside volume to outside form and the relationship of inside surface to outside surface.
- Learn about the relationship between form and function, the importance of craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
- Learn about color relationships and the effect of glazes and slips upon the surface of form.
- Learn how to orchestrate the two-dimensional processes of drawing and painting on a three-dimensional form.
- Learn to work in a self-directed manner and to define areas of personal interest.
- Learn the critical insight to objectively examine their own work and the work of their peers.
Learn to write an artist statement that clearly articulates their process of making and reflects an understanding of the sources of influence within and beyond the art world.
Course of Study
Foundation Year
Fall
- FN 101 Digital Imaging
- FN 109 3D: Materiality
- FN 113 Two-Dimensional Design
- Studio Elective
- EN 100 English Composition
- SEM 100 First Year Seminar
Spring
- DR 100 Introduction to Drawing
- FN 110 4D: Space & Temporality
- FN 108 Research & Inquiry – Studio
- SEM 108 Research & Inquiry – Academic
- AH 101 Art History Survey I
Sophomore
Fall
- CE 101 Handbuilding or CE 201 Throwing
- Approved CE 200-300 level Studio Elective
- Studio Elective (Student Choice)
- AH 102 Art History Survey II
- Academic Elective
Spring
- CE 351 Introduction to the Discipline – Ceramics and Its Influence
- Approved CE 200-300 level Studio Elective
- Approved Studio Elective
- AH 250 Critical Approaches to Contemporary Art
- Academic Elective
Junior
Fall
- CE 301 Ceramics III Majors Studio
- CE 311 Glaze Chemistry & Kiln Firing
- SEM 354 Junior Seminar – Craft
- Art History Elective
- Academic Elective
Spring
- CE 302 Ceramics III Majors Studio
- Approved Studio Elective
- Studio Elective (Student Choice)
- Art History Elective
- Academic Elective
Senior
Fall
- CE 401 Ceramics IV Majors Studio
- Approved Studio Elective
- SEM 451 Professional Studio – Craft
- 2 Academic Electives
Spring
- CE 402 Ceramics IV Majors Studio
- Approved Studio Elective
- SEM 452 Senior Synthesis
- 2 Academic Electives
Course Catalog Listing
Ceramics Program FAQ
What can I do with a ceramics degree?
A ceramics degree opens doors to careers as a professional artist, ceramicist, designer, educator, curator, conservation specialist, or entrepreneur. With a strong foundation in both creative and technical skills, graduates can work independently or within industries like interior design, museum curation, or product development.
What will I learn with a bachelor's degree in ceramics?
A bachelor's degree in ceramics covers the full spectrum of ceramic practice, from hand-building and wheel throwing to glaze chemistry, kiln firing, and surface design. You'll also gain experience in art history, personal studio development, and writing an artist statement that communicates your creative voice.
Is ceramics a good major for someone interested in both art and design?
Yes. Ceramics is a multifaceted discipline that blends sculptural form, functional design, and fine art. A ceramics degree teaches how to create pieces that are both visually compelling and purpose-driven, making it ideal for students interested in material experimentation and spatial thinking.
What makes Maine College of Art & Design’s Ceramics Program stand out?
As a dedicated ceramics college, Maine College of Art & Design offers extensive facilities, including 30 wheels and 13 kilns, plus 24/7 access to private studios for upper-level students. The curriculum is guided by experienced faculty and includes hands-on learning in materials, techniques, and contemporary ceramic theory.
Do I need experience to apply to the Ceramics Program?
No prior experience is required to pursue a bachelor's degree in ceramics. First-year students start with foundational courses in materiality and design, building the skills and confidence to explore ceramics in depth as they progress through the program.
Apply for Our BFA and Major in Ceramics
Explore your creative potential with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics at Maine College of Art & Design. You'll gain hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and 24/7 access to professional studios.
Start your application and start shaping a future rooted in craft, design, and personal expression.