About the Ceramics Minor
A ceramics minor is a wonderful addition to any degree. The program gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of techniques and gain hands-on experience. Our program balances technical skills with aesthetic and conceptual growth. Studying ceramics fosters creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led study abroad programs and artist residencies.
If you're interested in art and curious about how to become involved in our department, consider taking a tour of the UW Visual Arts facilities!
Students pursuing a B.A. in Visual Arts - Art History Track may minor in a studio discipline. However, students pursuing a B.A. in Visual Arts - Studio Art Track, a B.F.A. in Studio Art or a B.A. in Art Education cannot minor in a specific studio discipline. Students should plan on a minimum of five semesters to complete a ceramics minor due to upper-division course prerequisites. Please note that all courses require a minimum grade of C to earn a ceramics minor.
What can you do with a Ceramics Minor?
A ceramics minor equips students with hands-on skills in clay, design and creative expression, preparing them for careers in the arts, education or design. Whether you want to become a studio artist, art teacher, gallery assistant or creative entrepreneur, this minor offers practical experience and artistic development. It pairs well with majors like art and art history, giving you a creative edge and the flexibility to pursue both professional and personal passions in the visual arts.
- Ceramics artist
- Curator
- Ceramics studio owner
- Ceramics studio assistant
- Art teacher
UW fine art and art education are getting creative at the following places:
- Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
- Western Confluence Magazine
- Fire It Up Ceramics Studio
- Stripe
- Self-employed
- Glassell School of Art
- Art League Houston
- Cherry Creek School District
A ceramic artist, or ceramicist, creates art or functional objects using clay and other ceramic materials. They shape, glaze and fire pieces such as pottery, sculptures, tiles or decorative works—often combining artistic expression with technical skill. Ceramicists may work independently in their own studios, sell their work in galleries or online, teach in schools and community programs or collaborate with designers and architects. Their work can range from handmade tableware and ceramic jewelry to large-scale installations and public art. In short, ceramicists turn raw clay into meaningful, expressive and often functional works of art.
While UW doesn't have a ceramics major, ceramics are covered in our B.F.A. in Studio Art.
Semi-private studios are granted to advanced students who apply and are enrolled in at least one credit hour of upper level courses in the art and art history program, providing time and space to work on their creative research safely and independently.
