Ceramic Arts, MFA
Program Director: Chaz Martinsen; martinsen@hood.edu; 301-696-3526
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts offers comprehensive research in the ceramic arts and provides academic preparation for matriculating students pursuing professional careers in personal artistic exploration, arts instruction at all levels, community arts programs and museum positions. Creation of ceramic art is a multidisciplinary confluence of science and art. The production of three-dimensional works of art in the ceramic medium is a continuing exercise in critically assessing the results of a complex series of deliberate experiments culminating in an aesthetic judgment, documentation and exhibition. The MFA degree program will ground students in the scientific requirements of ceramic arts and develop critical understanding of the aesthetics involved in exploring objects in the third dimension. Innovative experiential process is the basis of the Hood College ceramic arts program history and the underlying foundation of the curriculum.
Objectives:
- The student will gain a broad knowledge base of a variety of studio art media, develop technical skills, gain an awareness of historical movements and comprehend universal aesthetic concepts.
- The student will develop the ability to observe, cultivating analytical and creative thinking skills.
- The student will develop a process for articulating aesthetic ideas and the ability to communicate their personal aesthetic intentions visually in their artwork, and verbally, in the written word.
- The student will develop a critical understanding of art, aesthetics and cultural education
- The student will gain a sense of purpose and responsibility for the role an artist plays in society and how an artist effects societal change.
- The student will develop the ability to analyze formal design issues both literally and conceptually.
- The student will gain the ability to seek the challenge of higher learning environments, to become confident artists, intellectually sound risk takers, career-oriented professionals and ultimately empowered citizens meeting the challenges of today’s society.
Application Requirements:
Candidates for the M.F.A. in Ceramic Arts program must have obtained a BFA or equivalent training in the ceramic arts. Students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than ceramics who provide evidence of life experience, skill and drive in the arts may be accepted at the discretion 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.
Interested parties must submit:
- A completed application to the Hood College Graduate School
- One copy of unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended (official transcripts required upon acceptance prior to enrollment)
- An essay (500 words or less) discussing previous experience with ceramics/craft medias, current work and professional goals in relation to the MFA
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with recent work (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu)
- A portfolio of high quality 300 DPI images in PDF format to include:
- 20 images of current work
- A separate corresponding image list stating title of work, medium, size and dates of completion
- An artist statement about the portfolio work addressing concept, objectives and processes
- CV
Before acceptance, the Director of the program will conduct an interview with the candidate. This can take place at NCECA or online.
For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission.
Program Requirements
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts requires candidates to complete a studio emphasis in ceramic arts with a GPA of 3.0 or greater.
60 credits are required for graduation:
19 credits of core requirements
17 credits of required research
15 credits of general electives
9 credits of art history, aesthetics and criticism
Students studying full time will normally spend three years earning the degree. Successful completion of ARTS 570 and a 3.0 grade point average will serve as an interim evaluation for continuing studies. Strong candidate for the MFA will have earned a grade of A- (3.67) or higher in ARTS 570. Students may transfer 9 credits earned from an accredited program to their course requirements for the MFA.
Core Courses - 19 Credits Required
| ARTS 501 | Glaze Application | 1.0 |
| ARTS 502 | East Asian Wedged Coil Technique | 1.0 |
| ARTS 505 | Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing Concepts | 2.0 |
| ARTS 508 | Ceramic Sculpture | 3.0 |
| ARTS 522 | Glaze Calculation, Theory & Practice | 3.0 |
| ARTS 524 | Clay Calculation, Theory and Practice | 3.0 |
| ARTS 525 | Electric Kilns | 1.0 |
| ARTS 530 | Kiln Technology & Firing Theory | 2.0 |
| ARTS 574 | Advanced Studies in Ceramic Arts | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19.0 |
Art History and Criticism Courses - 9 Credits Required
| ART 504 | Iconography and Iconology | 3.0 |
| ARTS 543 | History of Ceramic Arts | 3.0 |
| ARTS 564 | Aesthetics and Criticism | 3.0 |
| ART 568/ART 468 | Contemporary Topics in Visual Art | 3.0 |
| | Three credits Art History (ART) at 500 level | |
Additional graduate level humanities courses may serve as elective credit with approval of the program director.
Research Courses - 17 Credits Required
| ARTS 569 | Survival Skills for Visual Artists | 1.0 |
| ARTS 570 | Seminar in Personal Studio Research | 3.0 |
| ARTS 576 | MFA Thesis Preparation | 3.0 |
| ARTS 580A | MFA Thesis Research A | 3.0 |
| ARTS 580B | MFA Thesis Research B | 3.0 |
| ARTS 595 | MFA Thesis Exhibition | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17.0 |
Elective Courses – 15 Credits Required
Wheel
Handbuilding and Sculpture
| ARTS 513 | Tea Bowl History, Practice and Design | 2.0 |
| ARTS 542 | Modeling the Figure | 3.0 |
| ARTS 545 | Large Scale and Composite Sculpture | 3.0 |
Kiln Technology
Special Topics Courses
| ARTS 520 | Photographing Ceramics | 1.0 |
| ARTS 547 | Creating with Porcelain | 3.0 |
| ARTS 590 | Teaching Assistant in Ceramic Arts | 1.0 - 4.0 |
| ARTS 599 | Special Topics in Ceramic Arts | 1.0 - 3.0 |
Independent Study