Master of Fine Arts in Art - Ceramics

In the ceramics concentration, students focus on advancing their technical skills, artistic vision, and conceptual understanding within the field of ceramics. Building upon their foundational knowledge from undergraduate studies, students engage in a rigorous exploration of ceramic materials, techniques, and artistic expression.
Technical proficiency is a key focus of the program. Students refine their knowledge of ceramic materials, glazes, kiln firing processes, and surface treatments. They experiment with different clay bodies and firing techniques, expanding their understanding of the material possibilities and pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramic practices. Through hands-on work in the studio, students develop a mastery of throwing, handbuilding, mold-making, glazing, and other ceramic techniques.
Conceptual development and artistic exploration are equally important. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and conceptual framework within the medium of ceramics. They explore various themes, narratives, and aesthetic concepts, and experiment with unconventional approaches to clay as a sculptural material. They investigate the relationship between form, surface, texture, and function, and explore innovative approaches to ceramic art that challenge traditional boundaries.
The program incorporates critical discourse and theoretical studies. Students engage in critical analysis of contemporary ceramic art and explore relevant theoretical frameworks that inform their artistic practice. They examine historical and cultural contexts of ceramics, contemporary debates, and the socio-political implications of ceramic art, deepening their understanding of the field and its broader significance.
Collaborative opportunities and interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged within the program. Students engage in collaborations with artists from other disciplines or explore the integration of ceramics with other media, such as sculpture, installation, performance, or digital technologies. These experiences broaden students' perspectives, foster interdisciplinary thinking, and encourage experimentation beyond traditional ceramic practices.

Baccalaureate Degree: The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university. If you are a UofM undergraduate student applying to Graduate School at UofM, you do not need to request that an official transcript be sent to Graduate Admissions. This office has access to your transcript. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.

GPA: The applicant must have earned an acceptable grade point average, typically a minimum of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field.

English proficiency test scores accepted by the University:

• Duolingo English Test-110 or higher on the overall score.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 550 or higher on the paper version, 80 or higher on the internet-based test
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- 6.5 or higher
• PTE (Pearson Test of English) - 59 or higher