What you will study
No matter your experience and skills, the UCM Ceramics program will teach you contemporary
and traditional practices and help you develop technical proficiency and aesthetic
maturity. Get hands-on experience under the guidance of professionally active UCM
faculty to build and master skills in wheel throwing, hand building, figure construction,
mold making and slip casting, and explore mixed media and installation. As your knowledge
and skills advance, we’ll conduct glaze research to further develop your creative
process and professional practice.
What you’ll gain in the Ceramics emphasis of the UCM’s Studio Art program
The end goal is to instill a sense of curiosity and the importance of a creative practice,
while you develop your own unique artistic style and learn how to market yourself
in a professional manner. Expect to graduate not only with a ceramics based studio
art degree but also with a professional portfolio that highlights your creative practice
to potential graduate programs, residencies, employers or clients.
Excellence in Ceramics
- The University of Central Missouri’s Department of Art and Design has maintained National
Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation since 1986. As the
state’s only four-year public school to be recognized by NASAD, UCM ensures quality
education as part of your UCM Ceramics degree.
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Fine and Studio Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in UCM’s Ceramics program
The only way to gain a true understanding and practice of ceramics is through hands-on
education. At the University of Central Missouri, we help ensure this within our well-equipped,
3,800-square-foot fine arts building and using our outdoor kiln pad dedicated to ceramics.
In our ceramics studio, expect to find:
- A clay mixing room with a Soldner clay mixer
- A dedicated wheel-throwing room
- A dedicated room for hand building
- A glaze lab for making and testing glaze
- Six electric kilns, a 30-cubic-foot gas kiln and two raku kilns
- Semi-private work areas for Ceramics majors
Other ways to get hands-on learning as part of your UCM Ceramics degree include:
- UCM Clay Club: Join this ceramics-focused student organization for the opportunity to meet with fellow
art students once a week and discuss ideas or create as a community. Together, you
may also attend regional and national clay events and host renowned visiting artists.
- Collaborative learning: Participate in an independent study critique group to discuss your research and topics
related to professional development.
- Visiting artists: Join us when visiting artists come to campus for demos, as well as student critiques.
Check with faculty of UCM’s Ceramics program for other means for experiential learning,
including ways to use your craft to give back to the community.
What can you do with a Studio Art, Ceramics degree from UCM?
We chose ceramics because we are passionate about creating. Whether you become a ceramic
artist, pursue a career in other fine arts or become an educator, a UCM Studio Art,
Ceramics degree will provide you with a solid foundation to excel in your desired
path. Our faculty are dedicated to mentoring you for success in the field or in your
efforts to further your education with a master’s degree.
Understanding your options with a Studio Art degree
To help you easily explore career opportunities of a studio art degree with an emphasis
in ceramics from UCM, we offer the interactive tool below. Learn your potential now
and for later as you examine titles, salaries and projected growth.
Financial assistance options for your Ceramics emphasis degree
Your investment in a studio art degree with an emphasis in ceramics from the University
of Central Missouri is an investment in your future. We offer a variety of resources
to help you finance your education, including information on loans, grants and work study.
You also have opportunities for scholarships, such as awards from UCM’s Student Citation
Show. Majors and minors in Art and Design, including the Studio Art program, can submit
their work for a chance to win.
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Display Your Ceramics
UCM’s Student Citation Show
For over 50 years, UCM has been hosting this art show every spring at the UCM Gallery
of Art and Design. Open to students majoring or minoring in an Art degree program,
the Student Citation Show gives you the opportunity to win an award or scholarship.
Enter up to two projects to boost your chances.
Get More Information
Meet Your Program Coordinator
Assistant professor Natasha Hovey
Natasha Hovey has exhibited her work worldwide, from Chicago and Houston to the Netherlands.
Hovey primarily uses ceramics formed by slip casting but incorporates concrete, metals
and fiber for installation. She is among UCM’s active ceramicists and faculty ready
to help you elevate your skills and creativity.
Meet Other Ceramics Faculty
Join the Clay Club
UCM’s ceramic arts club
Expand your ceramics education beyond the classroom and studio when you participate
in UCM’s Clay Club. Meet regularly with fellow students of our Ceramics program. Together,
you may attend conferences, lectures or museums to network and learn from professional
artists or coordinate pottery sales events.
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Accreditation
The University of Central Missouri’s art programs are accredited by the National
Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). UCM has been continuously accredited
since 1986. Learn More about this accreditaion.
Laptop Requirement
There are technology requirements for this major. Learn more about those requirements.
