Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics (CRMM)

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Ceramics is an intensive three-year, 60 credit hour program devoted to studio, seminar, art history, and elective coursework. The Ceramics program emphasizes diversity, rigorous conceptual investigation, and contemporary critical discourse to develop individuals who challenge contemporary norms while producing compelling artwork. Through individual research, students will develop and master skills, techniques and use of material as evidenced through a mature body of creative artwork.

Application Materials:

Admission requires a Bachelor of Art (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or equivalent degree. Graduate transfer credits are not accepted. Complete a Graduate Admissions Application to Western Michigan University. For general information about WMU’s Graduate College, visit the Future Students website. International students should begin at the International Admissions and Services website. In addition, applicants should submit:

Resume/CV - A list of your academic and professional accomplishments
Letter of Intent - A personal statement outlining goals for graduate study, your interest in the media(s) you plan to study, and your reasons for pursuing graduate study. (1-2 pages)
Artist Statement - An artist’s statement focusing on thematic concerns, the form that your work takes, and artists or theories that have influenced the work.
3 Academic or Professional References - References should be a person who is familiar with your artistic abilities who can discuss your artwork, critical and conceptual thinking capabilities, work habits, and potential for graduate study in art. Please include, their name, email, phone number and relationship to applicant submitted as a single PDF.
A portfolio of 20 examples of artistic work with size and material descriptions submitted as a single PDF.

Program Requirements (60 total hours)

Ceramics Studio Concentration Courses (33 hours)

ART 5300 - Graduate Ceramics I Credits: 1 to 6 hours (repeatable for credit - 12 hours required)
ART 6300 - Graduate Ceramics II Credits: 1 to 6 hours (repeatable for credit - 12 hours required)
ART 6330 - Graduate Ceramics III Credits: 1 to 6 hours (repeatable for credit - 9 hours required)

Studio Elective Course (6 hours)

ART 6900 - Graduate Studio Special Topics Credits: 3 hours (repeatable for credit - 6 hours required)

Art History Courses (9 hours)

Select three of the following:

ART 5210 - Topics in Art History: Variable Topics Credits: 3 hours
ART 5230 - Topics in Modern Art Credits: 3 hours
ART 5250 - Topics in Asian Art Credits: 3 hours
ART 5270 - Art History Methods Credits: 3 hours

Graduate Ceramics Seminar (6 hours)

ART 6250 - Graduate Ceramics Seminar Credits: 1 hour (repeatable for credit - 6 hours required)

Graduate Studio Thesis (6 hours)

ART 7000 - MFA Studio Thesis Credits: 1 to 6 hours (repeatable for credit - 6 hours required)

Required Reviews

Near the end of the Fall Semester of their 1st year of the program, students are required to undergo a Progress Review with their Thesis Committee. Projects completed during the term will be installed in a critique space and the student will give an oral presentation followed by discussion with the committee. The student is expected to use the feedback in the continued development of their studio practice and performance in the program.

Near the end of the Spring Semester of their 1st year of the program, students are required to undergo a Candidacy Review with their Thesis Committee. As with the Progress Review, students must install work completed over the first two terms and deliver an oral presentation. As a result of the discussion, the Thesis Committee will determine whether the student has “passed” the Candidacy Review and can continue in the program. If not, the student will be required to discontinue the program.

At Midterm of the Spring Semester of their 2nd year of the program, students are required to write a Thesis Proposal and then undergo a Thesis Proposal review with their Thesis Committee. The student must acquire approval and signatures from each member of the committee. Students may not begin Thesis hours without approval from each member of the committee of their Thesis Proposal.

In the Spring Semester of their 3rd year of the program, students are required to successfully produce a body of artwork and Master’s Thesis paper and complete a public exhibition of artwork with oral Master’s Thesis Defense presentation with the Thesis Committee. Students will organize and host a public reception and promote the exhibition. Students are required to submit digital documentation of the artwork and installation, artist statement, and exhibition promotion to the Ceramic Area Coordinator prior to graduation.