Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics, BFA

We believe clay is a means of expression, a tool for communication and a conduit for critical thinking. The Ceramics program is an engaged community of undergraduate and graduate students, technical staff and faculty who promote excellence in the field. Students work with the oldest of materials while practicing contemporary methods of fine art, craft, and design. The program offers knowledge, aesthetics, technical approaches and invention through hands-on experiences with raw materials and technical processes. Throughout the course of study students learn the role of Ceramics within the history of art, design and culture while pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Students in the Ceramics program have active contact with the faculty and technical staff who provide critical and rigorous mentorship, encourage inter-disciplinary exploration and engage students in professional practices. Outside of the classroom, students participate in the student organization, the Clay Guild, who sponsors visiting artist workshops, gallery exhibitions, ceramic art sales and annual travel to the conference sponsored by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

Throughout the curriculum, students have regular access to materials, equipment, and library resources related to the study of ceramics. All students engage in preparation of clay bodies and glazes, kiln stacking procedures, firing processes (electric, gas, wood, raku, primitive and soda) and surface techniques. The studio environment is one where vessel aesthetics – form and surface design – are taught along with ceramic sculpture – including hand-forming, wheel-throwing, and mold-making.

The Ceramics minor is designed to encourage students from all areas of the university to explore working creatively with clay. Students pursuing the BFA complete a final project related to an exhibition of original and focused work.

Program requirements

Pre-major requirements

See Studio Art pre-major requirements.

General degree requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a major in studio art will meet the following requirements:

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 120 total semester hours of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree as specified under the “General University Requirements ” in the Academic section of this catalog and the College of Visual Arts and Design requirements.

Major requirements

Completion of at least 78 hours of arts to include a minimum of 18 hours in a prescribed field and 24 hours of art core (required for all studio majors):

Ceramics concentration

AEAH 4840 - Topics in the History of Crafts
ASTU 2101 - Beginning Ceramics: Handbuilding
ASTU 2102 - Beginning Ceramics: Throwing
ASTU 4100 - Senior Ceramics Studio (6 hours)
3 advanced hours of art history
12 hours (9 advanced) of art electives

Menu 1, 9 hours from

Menu 2, 12 hours from

Menu 3, 6 hours from

Note:

For all students seeking a major in the College of Visual Arts and Design, a grade of C or above must be earned in every art-based course required in the College of Visual Arts and Design (completed in residence or transferred to UNT) to be considered for credit toward a CVAD degree. A grade of D or below will not satisfy any art-based course requirements, electives or prerequisites.

Additionally, the required 6 credits of ASTU 4100 must be taken over two semesters.

Minor requirements

No minor is required.

Electives

Hours required for electives may vary based on course selection and the University Core Curriculum Requirements. Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement (42) and/or the minimum total hours required for the degree. For specific information see an academic advisor in the College of Visual Arts and Design Student Services Office, Art Building, Room 232.

Other requirements

24 advanced hours must be completed at UNT.
36 hours of art (including at least 12 advanced hours) must be completed at UNT.
Transfer course work substituted for required UNT art courses must be approved by a student’s faculty advisor during the degree audit process.
A 2.5 grade point average must be maintained in all art courses; only a grade of C (2.0) or better in art courses will count toward degree requirements.