Printer Friendly
Master's Degree Programs: Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts (M.F.A.)
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts provides academic preparation for candidates pursuing professional careers in the visual arts, teaching and museum positions. Students will develop a critical understanding of art, aesthetics and cultural education, and will gain broad-based knowledge and skills in:
• Forms and aesthetics in ceramic arts media
• Understanding of movements and concepts in art
• An ability to analyze formal issues and apply accurate terminology
to that analysis
• Abilities to communicate aesthetic intentions verbally and in written
form
• Skills necessary to organize an exhibition of personal works of art
to meet M.F.A. criteria
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts offers academic training in the science, technology, aesthetics and management of a career in the ceramic arts. Lectures and critiques provide students with an understanding of the history of ceramics and the issues and ideas that underpin contemporary work in all aspects of the medium, as well as a firm grounding in the science of glaze formation, clay development and firing theory. Practical application of the science and technology of the ceramic arts are combined with individual research and skill building, culminating in exhibition-quality work demonstrating personal aesthetic expression.
Entrance Requirements
Candidates for the M.F.A. program must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent training in ceramics. Students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than ceramics who provide evidence of life experience and skill in the ceramic arts may apply with permission of the program director.To be considered for admission to the M.F.A. program, students must meet the admission requirements of the Hood College Graduate School and submit:
• A completed application to the Hood College Graduate School
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the
applicant’s recent work
• A statement that describes the applicant’s goals in entering
the program
• A portfolio of 20 35mm slides of the applicant's ceramic art
• The applicants objectives in the portfolio submitted
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts requires candidates to complete a studio emphasis in ceramics with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater.60 credits are required for graduation:
• 22 credits of core requirements
• 17 credits of required research
• 15 credits of general electives
• 6 credits of art history
Core Courses:
• ARTS 501 Glaze Application
• ARTS 502 Eastern Coil
• ARTS 504 Ceramic Decoration
• ARTS 505 Masters Throwing
• ARTS 508 Ceramic Sculpture
• ARTS 511 Properties of Clay
• ARTS 521 Properties of Glaze
• ARTS 530 Kiln Technology and Firing Theory
• ARTS 540 Clay and Glaze Chemistry, Theory and Practice
• ARTS 543 History of Ceramics
Research Courses:
• ARTS 570 Graduate Seminar in Personal Studio Research
• ARTS 576 Thesis Preparation
• ARTS 580 M.F.A. Thesis Research
• ARTS 595 M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition
Faculty
Joyce Michaud, M.F.A., assistant professor of art and director of the ceramics program. Versed in all aspects of throwing on the potter’s wheel; ceramic sculpture; ceramic design and composition; glaze and surface finish; electric-, salt- and wood-fired porcelain; and exhibitions design and installation.Anne Derbes, Ph.D., professor of art and Medieval and early Renaissance art history specialist.
Frederick Bohrer, Ph.D., associate professor of art and archaeology, co-chair of the department of art and archaeology, and Eastern/Mesopotamian archaeology specialist.
Laurie Taylor-Mitchell, Ph.D., assistant professor of art and specialist in art of the Late Middle Ages.
Xiaosheng Bi, M.F.A., lecturer and expert in throwing on the potter’s wheel and in porcelain and surface decoration.
Phil Berneburg, M.A., lecturer and ceramic engineer, versed in the technical aspect of the ceramic arts, firing, clay and glaze formulation and kiln building.
Jenna McCracken, M.F.A., lecturer and an expert in sculpture and handbuilding techniques.
Kevin Crowe, B.A., visiting artist and an expert in the production of wheel-thrown pottery with an emphasis in throwing large forms, wood firing, slat firing and kiln building.
Peter Pinnell, M.F.A., visiting artist/professor, versed in all aspects of the ceramic arts.