Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics

Explore an unparalleled combination of accessibility, affordability, collaboration, diversity, professional preparation, technology, and—most of all—opportunity for creative exploration and growth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University.

The 126-credit hour Ceramics BFA program explores the discipline’s many forms and fosters diverse perspectives on process, including the use of digital technologies. It encourages community-based collaboration, interdisciplinary exploration and the development of hybrid work. Due to the complexity of materials and processes, the curriculum incorporates aspects of chemistry, technology, and kiln and furnace design and construction. Students learn product design and production, studio management, and gallery installation, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving—transferable skills that help prepare them for success in any artistic discipline or profession, including as educators, gallery operators, architectural designers, curators and more. Students also have opportunities for internships in Philadelphia’s extensively networked clay community. 

Led by a faculty of practicing artists, Ceramics majors work in a close-knit environment, side-by-side with graduate students, as they explore traditional and experimental clay techniques. The program draws on the energy and resources of the urban landscape of Philadelphia, a city with a longstanding clay culture and vibrant visual art scene, to forge community partnerships that lead to broader, inclusive perspectives, conversations and exchanges of ideas. 

In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Tyler offers a BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies as an option for students who want to learn skills for entrepreneurship, from innovative thinking to how to start a business, as part of their art education. Program coursework is an interdisciplinary blend of art, art history, business, entrepreneurship and other courses, as well as open electives. The BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies gives students the skills needed for success as entrepreneurs in the studio discipline of their choice and the necessary preparation to pursue graduate studies in their studio discipline, entrepreneurship or related professions upon graduation. 

An image of a student working on a project

Classes & Curriculum  

The Ceramics Major curriculum is designed to give sound preparation to future artists through coursework in practice, theoretical concepts and approaches, and technical skills. The BFA Foundations program and introductory courses develop a thorough understanding of fundamental processes. Advanced courses stress the development of an individual idiom and preparation for the professional world. Students find aesthetic freedom that encourages personal experimentation and the exploration of visual concepts. Students can expect to take several of the following courses.

  • Advanced Ceramics 

  • Advanced Throwing and Wheelwork 

  • Beginning Ceramics 

  • Ceramic Materials 

  • Ceramic Mold Making 

  • Ceramic Woodshop 

  • Intermediate Ceramics 

  • Porcelain 

  • Professional Practices in Crafts 

  • Two-Dimensional Ceramics 

Learn more about courses in this program. 

Minors  

Related Graduate Degrees   

Related Graduate Certificates  

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $24,960.00 per year
Out-of-state: $41,496.00 per year

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Additional Program Information