Ceramics

Undergraduate Minor

Ceramics student sculpting the top of a clay vase

Pursue Your Passion With A Minor In Ceramics

It takes talent, skill and time to perfect your craft. Here at UW, we understand that. It’s why we offer an accredited, 24-credit-hour ceramics minor program.

As a ceramics student, you will learn traditional and contemporary methods of ceramics construction. You will also have access to best-in-class facilities, faculty-led artist residencies and study-abroad programs. Because hands-on experience with dedicated faculty is invaluable.

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Ceramics student sculpting the top of a clay vase

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Ceramics Minor

A ceramics minor is a wonderful addition to any creative degree. The program gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of techniques and gain hands-on experience.

 

Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led study abroad programs and artist residencies. UW also partners with Sheridan Community College for wood firings, where students can learn from professional artists.

Ceramics Classroom

 

 

 

 

Students pursuing a B.A. in Art History may minor in a studio discipline. However, students pursuing a B.A. or 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.

Professor looking at cermaics student's pottery

 

 

 

Ceramics Program Highlights

Immersive Artist Residencies

The UW ceramics program has connections to the Neltji Center, where students can immerse themselves in a faculty-led artist residency.

EXPLORE THE NELTJI CENTER

Students have the opportunity to study abroad with faculty to further their ceramics education.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

UW provides students with ample opportunities to connect with professionals and other ceramics students. The Ceramic Art Guild is an on-campus organization that fundraises and supports student enrichment. This organization hosts the annual ceramic art auction, which funds students’ travel to the NCECA Conference (National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts). There, students attend lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, and networking events.

UW'S ART ORGANIZATIONS

The ceramics facilities are equipped for hand-building, casting and throwing techniques.

  • Dedicated plaster working room
  • Throwing area
  • Hand-building area
  • Extruder
  • Slab roller
  • Two pugmills
  • Soldner Mixer
  • Six electric kilns
  • Two gas kilns
  • Soda kiln
  • Wood-fire train kiln
  • Glaze mixing area
  • Chemical storage

 

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.