Ceramic Arts and Ceramics
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and similar materials. Includes instruction in handbuilt and wheelthrown techniques; molding; slips and glazes; trimming and decorating; firing and kiln operation; oxidation; mixed media; ceramic murals; and personal style development.
- Schools offering
- 50
- Annual completions
- 79
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $41k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and similar materials. Includes instruction in handbuilt and wheelthrown techniques; molding; slips and glazes; trimming and decorating; firing and kiln operation; oxidation; mixed media; ceramic murals; and personal style development.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
| Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators | $61k | -1.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Craft artists | $38k | +2.1% | No formal educational credential |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$41k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$34k
Bachelor's
$42k
Top colleges for Ceramic Arts and Ceramics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Art Institute | Kansas City, MO | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Maryland Institute College of Art | Baltimore, MD | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| State University of New York at New Paltz | New Paltz, NY | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Boston, MA | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Butte College | Oroville, CA | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Providence, RI | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Los Angeles Pierce College | Woodland Hills, CA | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Cleveland Institute of Art | Cleveland, OH | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Related majors to explore
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Ceramic Arts and Ceramics field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Ceramic Arts and Ceramics worth it? Read verdict