A certificate of achievement in ceramics offers a variety of beginning courses within the field of three-dimensional art. The program will introduce both techniques and concepts of ceramics in an academic context. The program requirements are designed for those interested in ceramics as professional practice and provide exposure to the discipline that may help students decide to continue their studies at a four year institution. The ceramics major is available at UC and CSU systems, the San Francisco Art Institute, the California College of Arts, and at other colleges of art and schools of design.

Students seeking to complete an associate in arts degree in fine arts may choose to supplement that award with a certificate of achievement in ceramics. The fine art curriculum develops students’ critical thinking skills, hones problemsolving skills, and establishes visual literacy in the ceramic medium. The ceramics certificate offers technical training related to the commercial ceramic industry and can lead to career opportunities that include: art educator, exhibiting artist, hand-made production potter, ceramic art studio assistant, art therapy intern, creative tile designer, tile producer, mosaic muralist, portrait sculptor, industrial ceramics product designer, industrial ceramics shop manager, ceramic engineering intern, museum or gallery assistant, art dealer, art critic and other professions in creative, hands-on endeavors.

The certificate of achievement has three components. The first component is a core of two required foundations: one introductory drawing/design class and an art history class. The second component is five classes of ceramics (three required, two elective). The third component is one studio art course outside ceramics.

To earn a certificate, students must complete each course with a “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the certificate.

Resultados de aprendizaje del programa

- identify and apply the formal design elements of art.

- create original works of ceramic art.

- create a portfolio demonstrating ideas in a broad range of ceramic techniques.

- formally compare the attributes of ceramics and other art forms.

- employ critical thinking to analyze ceramic art works in terms of historical context and cultural values.