Ceramics

The MFA-Art-Ceramics Specialization is a 60-credit hour in-person program that takes 3 years (6 semesters) to complete. Our Ceramics program offers a comprehensive education for those who want to teach in higher education or have a full-time career as a studio artist. The program focuses on rigorous critical discussion, technical mastery, individualized research and creative exploration. Graduate students at UNL are given generous studio space, well-appointed facilities, and ample opportunities to engage with faculty and graduate students across creative disciplines. UNL Ceramics has a strong record of success among its graduate alumni, many of whom teach in higher education and have thriving studio practices.

Graduate Admission Information  Apply Here

Program Features

Our three-year, 60-credit MFA in Art offers:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships & full tuition waivers
• Graduate level classes in Kiln Building, Glaze Formulation and the History of Ceramics
• Annual graduate level seminar in Ceramics
• Graduate student–led Clay Club holds two well-attended public sales each year, which fund its visiting artist program and support bringing in two artists annually. These funds also help cover student attendance at NCECA as well as other conferences and symposia.
• UNL is a member of CIRCA (the Consortium for Intercollegiate Research in the Ceramic Arts). This organization of MFA programs in Ceramics holds a symposium open to all current members every two years. Graduate students can apply for a two-week studio residency at one of the participating schools in their second or third year of study. Current CIRCA members are the University of Arkansas, the University of Colorado, the University of Florida, the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska, Penn State University, and San Diego State University. 
• 24-hour access to all facilities
• Secure, generous one- or two-person studios
• School of Art, Art History & Design competitive annual student awards
• Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts student activity grants for up to $4000.00 in support of exhibitions, presentations, summer study or creative activity/research
• One-on-one studio visits with Hixson-Lied Visiting Artists & Scholars as well as Clay Club visiting artists
• Opportunities to exhibit work in the many galleries and alternative spaces in Lincoln

Notable Facilities & Equipment 

Gas kilns

• One 75 cu ft. downdraft kiln for larger work
• One 50 cu. ft. downdraft kiln
• Two 10 cu. ft. downdraft kilns
• One 17 cu. ft. downdraft Geil kiln
• New 17 cu. ft. Geil downdraft gas kiln with digital controller
• One 48 cu. ft. Soda kiln
• One 9 cu. ft. Soda kiln
• One 16 cu. ft. Salt kiln

Electric Kilns

• Four 10 cu. ft. cone 10 capable Cone Art kilns
• Three 7 cu. ft. cone 10 capable Cone Art kilns
• One 16.5 cu. ft. Cone Art oval kiln
• One 10 cu. ft. cone 10 capable L&L kiln
• One 7 cu. ft. cone 9 capable L&L kiln

Test Kilns

• Two L&L 1.5 cu. ft. Cone 10 Capable test kilns
• Two Skutt 0.8 cu. ft. Cone 1 capable test kilns

Clay Mixing

• Soldner Mixer
• Bluebird Mixer
• Peter Pugger Pug Mill
• Shimpo Pug Mill

Access to a fully equipped 3-D Fabrication Space that includes:

• A wide range of wood fabrication equipment
• Prusa 3-D printers
• Plaster mold-making facility
• 3-axis digital router
• Laser cutters

About Lincoln

Students will immerse themselves in a vibrant arts community in the heart of the city of Lincoln, where creativity and opportunities abound that will shape your education and future career as an artist.

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