Ceramics
Major
Apply nowExplore the ceramics bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Turn your passion for creating into a career with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's ceramics bachelor's degree. This rigorous program is designed for students pursuing graduate studies or careers in ceramics.
Coursework throughout the major will help you to master ceramic techniques and approaches, including hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing and firing. You'll also explore the materials and concepts related to contemporary sculpture. Classes are part of an immersive, studio-focused curriculum, ensuring you leave with a greater level of artistic development and focus. This includes an advanced three-dimensional studio course as well as an advanced ceramics course. Both courses emphasize artistic growth and the development of personal concepts, allowing you to uncover your talents and professional niche.
Portfolio and career development are critical focuses of the program. In addition to countless opportunities to create a variety of unique work, you'll also learn the ins and outs of professional artwork presentation. During your final semester at UW-Eau Claire, you'll choose groups of your work to be featured in the Senior Exhibition. The culmination is a portfolio of the highest professional quality that will make you extremely competitive for an art career or graduate work in visual arts.
Why ceramics at UW-Eau Claire?
Opportunities to travel. All ceramics majors are required to participate in a travel experience while studying at UW-Eau Claire. This could include a study abroad program, one of the department’s national field trips or at least two of the department’s regional field trips. Explore contemporary art and design in Minneapolis, Chicago and New York City. Or find inspiration in some of the world's art and architecture meccas, like Florence, Rome or Paris.
Art close to home. UW-Eau Claire is home to the Foster Gallery, the largest art gallery in the Eau Claire area. Art and design students can take advantage of this learning space through exhibition receptions, open viewings, installation opportunities, guest speaker presentations and the chance to participate in the annual juried student art show.
Outside-the-classroom learning. As an art major, you'll have countless opportunities to hone your skills and develop your artistic expression. Participate in workshops with visiting professional artists. Gain insight into the business side of art and design during an internship. Join the Art Student Association and organize artistic events on campus and in the community. And visit artistic communities, museums and studios with working professionals during department field trips. At UW-Eau Claire, the possibilities are endless!
Exceptional skill. Graduates of the ceramics bachelor's degree program at UWEC enter the professional world with a vast knowledge of clay, pottery wheels, kilns, hand tools and glaze chemistry. They understand the history and evolution of the craft but are also well-versed in contemporary movements within the field. Electives throughout the program, including courses in painting, photography and site-specific sculpture, allow students to study additional areas of art that align well with a career in ceramics.
Connection to local employers. Annual on-campus Career Conferences and a Client Communication and Management Career Fair bring potential employers right to you. These events are excellent opportunities to network and submit your resume for current and future job openings.
100% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2020-2021 Graduate Report
Quick facts
Ceramics program details
- Program length: four years
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- This major does not require a minor.
- Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.
Student organizations
- Art Student Association (ASA)
- None of the Above (NOTA)
What can I do with a ceramics degree from UWEC?
From project architects to constructors to professors, art teachers and ceramicists, graduates of our ceramics bachelor's degree are fulfilling their artistic dreams. And they're finding success in entrepreneurship, too. Thanks to their savviness with e-commerce websites and social media promotion, Blugold artists are able to successfully promote and sell their work, sharing their craft with people all over the world.
Ceramics bachelor’s degree program curriculum
Curriculum within the ceramics bachelor's degree includes core foundation courses in art as well as courses in art history and ceramics. A variety of electives throughout the major allow you to expand your areas of expertise, take your work to the next level and explore additional career paths.
What classes do ceramics majors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- 3D computer modeling
- Ancient to medieval art
- Sculpture
- Drawing and composition
- Ceramics
- Printmaking
Learn more about the comprehensive ceramics major in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
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Department information
Art & Design
Haas Fine Arts Center 104121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703 Visit the Art & Design department website