Ceramic Arts, Certificate
Program Director: Chaz Martinsen; martinsen@hood.edu; 301-696-3526
The Hood College Graduate Certificate in the Ceramic Arts is a post-baccalaureate program providing an advanced studio experience to assist students in achieving a professional level of proficiency in the ceramic arts. With attention to the application of universal design principles and the unique requirements for teaching the ceramic arts at a variety of institutional levels, the program has been designed to assist students in the development of technical proficiency, refinement of personal aesthetic expression and production of a comprehensive body of work. Although not a teaching certificate, the course work in ceramics will provide an intensive experience in a planned and structured curriculum based on aesthetics, technical and experiential learning and skill development. Through study, studio production and objective-subjective analysis of creative work, the program will prepare the student for the challenges, demands and opportunities of careers in ceramic arts and related art fields.
Students will gain knowledge and skills in the following:
- 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. application criteria
Application Requirements
Candidates for the certificate program must have obtained a prior baccalaureate degree as a studio arts major, art education major or equivalent training in the 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 certificate 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:
- 10 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
- Resume
Requirements for the Certificate
The certificate includes 14 credits of required coursework and a minimum of 4 credits of electives for a total of at least 18 credits.
Required (14 credits)
| 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 |
Capstone Courses
| ARTS 569 | Survival Skills for Visual Artists | 1.0 |
| ARTS 570 | Seminar in Personal Studio Research | 3.0 |
Electives (minimum 4 credits)
The 18 credits required to earn the Graduate Certificate in Ceramic Arts can be completed in one year.