The ceramics degree exposes students to the theory of ceramics as art and craft with a firm background in ceramics history and technical and creative possibilities. The course structure allows students to utilize most forming techniques while investigating functional pottery and sculptural formats for personal expression. Students are given full access to a healthy and active studio community.

Join a small, dedicated community of artists.

The University of Dallas offers a comprehensive program in ceramic arts at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Students are exposed to the theory of ceramics as art and craft with a solid background in ceramic history, technical and creative possibilities. The course structure allows students to utilize most forming techniques while investigating functional pottery and sculptural formats for personal expression. Students are given full access to a healthy and active studio community.

Ceramics, BA

Basic Requirements

A total of 45 credits: two semesters of participation in senior seminar (one credit per semester); 12 in art history (6 advanced), and 31 in studio courses including 15 credits (12 advanced) in one studio area (beginning studio, two intermediate studios, and two senior studios), the core studio requirements of Drawing I and II, Human Figure, Two- and Three-Dimension Design, and six credits of electives in other studio experiences outside the area of emphasis. Satisfactory completion of the Senior Exhibition and Comprehensive Examination is required. It is recommended that art majors take Aesthetics for the philosophy elective and seek appropriate electives in other departments.

Comprehensive Examination

In the second semester of the junior year, the work of the student is reviewed by the entire art faculty. A second review occurs in the first senior semester, followed by a final review in the last semester prior to the presentation of the senior capstone project, a solo exhibition held on campus. It must contain work completed predominantly during the Senior Studio course. The exhibition — selected, designed and constructed by the student — is judged by the faculty in an oral examination. In the senior year, all art majors must also pass an art history comprehensive exam.

Ceramics, MA, MFA

The MA/MFA ceramics program emphasizes material, technical, and conceptual exploration while encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary experimentation. It is open to all independent, self-motivated students, wishing to research aspects of ceramics including, but not limited to, the vessel, sculpture, utility and function, the figure, architectural, large or small scale, the decorative and the practical, and installation. Material and process exploration is encouraged, and the inclusion of other materials when appropriate is welcome.

Ceramics students work with all art faculty members through seminars and courses, independent studies, one-on-one critiques, and group evaluations. A full-tuition scholarship is awarded to each student accepted into the program, and there are graduate assistantships available, including one in ceramics.

Ceramics graduate studios are semi-private and spacious, overlooking a beautiful wooded area close to the sculpture, printmaking, and painting studios. Students have 24-hour access to the studio. The ceramics facilities include wood, salt, soda, raku kilns, gas, and electric kilns, a full glaze lab with slip casting table and spray booth, 3D printer, clay mixers, pugmills, slab rollers, extruders, kick and electric wheels, and raw material storage.

The graduate experience is further augmented by visiting artists and scholars, providing perspective and connection to the contemporary ceramics community. Past visiting artists have included Ronan Peterson, Teresa Pietsch, Kyungmin Park, Allison Rentjes, Tom Spleth, Andrew Martin, and Liz Lurie.