Ceramics - Master of Fine Arts

What You’ll Learn

The Ceramics program emphasizes the realization of individual goals. We encourage the exploration of ideas and materials to foster an atmosphere of diversity. We are committed to developing individuals who challenge contemporary standards while producing work of exceptional craftsmanship. It is our intent to prepare artists for competition in the complex, professional ceramic art world.

Explore topics like: hand building, wheel throwing, kiln building, glaze calculations, alternative processes such as 3-D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, material histories, alchemy and aesthetics, design, sustainability and social practice, pedagogy and professional practices in contemporary Ceramics.

Career Opportunities

Ohio University Ceramic graduates are successful professional artists, secure positions as directors of arts programs and residencies, and are university educators, running and teaching in some of the top programs in the country in Ceramics, Sculpture and New Media. Ninety percent will remain working in fields related to Ceramics throughout their careers.

Areas of Focus

• Professional gallery representation; professional studio
• University teaching positions
• Artist-in-residencies
• Fulbright awardees
• Arts administration/museum and/or non-profit positions
• Creative director, studio technicians, industrial design
• Gallery manager, owner, curator, exhibition designer
• Art writer, librarian or consultant
• Studio assistant

Applying to the Program

To be considered for the M.F.A. in Ceramics program, applicants must create an account and complete the online application listed below, as well as submit documentation of original artwork through a separate site.

Please prepare the following items as part of your application. All information must be uploaded and received by February 1.

Apply Now

Deadline: February 1

To apply to this MFA program you'll be required to submit the following:

Application Fee:$50 for US Citizens, $55 for International (credit card or electronic check only)

• Official set of transcripts: These may have to be sent by us postal mail, or depending on your prior institution, may have an electronic record that can be submitted with your online application. Please review the definition and requirements for official transcripts here
• Statement of Intent: This is typically 1-2 pages. Why are you applying for graduate school? Why Ohio University? What are your future goals? Is there any information about your past experience/skills that is not reflected on your resume?
• Artist Statement: This is typically one page. Tell us about your current research interests, influences, and artwork.
• Resume/CV
• Portfolio:Documentation of original artwork
  • Submit 20 images or other documentation (video, audio, etc) of recent, original artwork.
  • Along with each artwork, include artwork information and descriptive text where appropriate
  • Detail slides are acceptable where necessary. 
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit the contact information for three references. Our system will automatically send recommenders a request via email for their submission. Their responses should be submitted by the February 1st deadline.

Note: Except for the official transcripts, NO materials should be sent through standard mail. Portfolios on CD or DVD will not be considered.

Ceramics Faculty

The faculty, like the program, offer a great deal of diversity. Through their own artmaking careers and experiences within the field, they have gathered a large pool of information from which students can draw. If you’d like more information about the M.F.A. in ceramics program, please reach out to Area Chair, Professor, Tom Bartel

Tom Bartel
Area Chair, Ceramics bartel@ohio.edu
740-566-6459