Student working clay on potter's wheel

Ceramics

Learn how to develop your own personal style through intensive studio practice that encompasses different forming methods, firing techniques and use of materials—to prepare for a career as a ceramist. 

What kind of courses will I take?

As a ceramics student, you'll learn technical methods of clay construction (such as coil, slab and wheel) and apply them in traditional and nontraditional formats. In addition, you'll learn clay composition, glaze chemistry and kiln construction. Students can fire their work in electric, gas, wood or salt kiln, as well as alternative firing techniques like pit, saggar and raku. Advanced students have their own studio spaces and lead teams in the firing of all the university kilns.

 

Degrees & Offerings

Art: Ceramics (BFA)

Bachelor’s
  Vermillion Main Campus

Learn how to develop your own personal style through intensive studio practice that encompasses different forming methods, firing techniques and use of materials. Master the fundamental skills such as drawing, sculpture, design and research—to prepare for a career as a ceramist.

Learn more about the art program

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Art Education: Ceramics (BFA)

Bachelor’s
  Vermillion Main Campus

The BFA in art education is a four-year degree program that prepares you for certification to teach K-12 visual arts or pursue another professional career. This degree is offered in conjunction with the School of Education to ensure that you are equally and comprehensively exposed to the academic and artistic components of the degree. With a specialization in ceramics, you'll learn technical methods of clay construction, such as coil, slab and wheel, and apply them in traditional and nontraditional formats.

Learn more about the art education program

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Program Details

Undergraduate

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Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in the only College of Fine Art in the state.
Students in an art gallery

Art

The Department of Art will provide you with unique and applicable real-world experience and connections that enable you to immerse yourself in an environment built for personal and creative discovery.

USD Pottery Facility

Our Facility

Here are some of the facilities and resources available to ceramics students:

  • Clay and glaze mixers
  • Extruder, slab roller, wheels and mold-making facilities
  • Electric, gas, wood and salt kilns
  • Free bulk materials (clay, slip and glazes)
  • Fully equipped casting facilities
  • Walk-in spray booth
  • Cold working equipment: Lapping machine, water feed drill press with diamond coring bits, large diamond brick and tile wet saws.
Student loads wood klin with projects

Unique Experiences

You'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of methods and techniques to develop your skill as an artist locally, regionally and nationally.


Unique Experiences
Students load wood into the wood kiln

Develop Your Specialty

 Students can fire their work in electric, gas, wood or salt kiln as well as alternative firing techniques like pit, sagar and raku. Advanced students have their own studio spaces and lead teams in the firing of all the university kilns.

Final BFA Reception in John A. Day Gallery highlighting ceramics work

Find Your Art Community

Through internships and practicums, you can gain experience with notable organizations and events.

The University Art Galleries provide opportunities for hands-on experiences, as well, ranging from curating exhibitions across campus to working with the permanent collection/management practices. You may also be interested in getting involved in the community though art design projects with local businesses and city projects and exhibitions with the Vermillion Area Arts Council.

Exceptional Student Work

Students are encouraged to merge their work in ceramics with other art forms at USD such as installation art, interactivity, performance art and more. This process is reinforced through visiting artists, peer interactions and regular exhibitions in the galleries across campus.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
USD Ceramics made pottery.
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Student success story

I have had opportunities to get involved in my majors beyond just class work including atmospheric firings for ceramics, Spanish club, and the Spanish honor society, Sigma Delta Pi, that have enhanced my experience as an undergraduate student. In addition, I have been lucky enough to find professors and advisors that genuinely care about their students and are always there to offer advice and support. I have truly enjoyed my programs here at USD.

Lauren Crouch

BFA, Ceramics '22
Sioux Falls, SD

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