ALL PROGRAMS | College of the Arts Programs
student working on pottery project

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

120 semester hours of undergraduate coursework must be completed.

Where will I take classes?

Application Timeline View Admissions Requirements

Georgia State’s priority deadline for undergraduate degrees is March 1. Final fall semester deadline is June 1, and spring semester deadline is December 1. Prospective B.F.A. students enter the Art & Design School as a general major and apply for a concentration sophomore year with a portfolio.

Ceramics, B.F.A.

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

[email protected]
404-413-5221

The Georgia State University Ceramics emphasis fosters personal exploration of subject matter, technical proficiency in a broad range of working methods, and professional presentation. Students in this program develop a broad base of technique and process knowledge that emphasizes experimentation and conceptual development. The program encourages mixed media exploration, stemming from a core knowledge of ceramic art. The students develop an understanding of ceramics’ vast history as well as an investigation of contemporary practices.

Methods taught include handbuilding, wheel throwing, mold-making, slip casting, press molding, clay extrusion, figure sculpting, portrait sculpting, glaze calculation, decal creation and china painting.

Students gain the experience of organizing events and marketing through their involvement with the student organization, Student League of Independent Potters (SLIPS). The organization is responsible for managing a budget, participating in fundraising through two annual sales of work and coordinating two annual visiting artist workshops.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art and design. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production in an interdisciplinary environment. The school offers a B.A. in Art History, B.F.A. in Art Education, a B.A. in Studio Art, and a B.F.A. in Studio Art with concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting & Printmaking, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Sculpture and Textiles.

  • B.F.A. degree that is NASAD accredited.
  • Area-specific, merit scholarship opportunities.
  • Year-round exhibitions in the Welch School Galleries & student-run galleries.
  • The Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series, bringing in speakers around the country and world.
  • 24-hour studio and building access.
Program Details

Applying to the B.F.A. Program

Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree must first enter as a B.A. in studio and take Foundations courses. They can then apply and be accepted into either a B.F.A. in studio or art education. This is when they chose their concentration.  Acceptance to a concentration is determined by application and portfolio review following completion of the art core curriculum. The studio program requires a concentration in one of the following areas: drawing and painting, or printmaking, graphic design, interior design, photography, textiles or three-dimensional studies (ceramics or sculpture). Students should consult with the undergraduate area coordinator in their area of interest for details. Portfolios and applications are reviewed fall and spring semesters on Portfolio Review Day, which is set by each area.

Admission to the Studio B.F.A. Program

Upon completion of the 18 semester hours required in Area F and prior to completion of 15 additional semester hours, each student who wishes to seek a B.F.A. in Studio must submit an application and pass a portfolio review for acceptance into a major concentration. Applications to concentrate in a discipline are available online. Students should meet with the area coordinator in the concentration they are considering one semester before they apply for the concentration. In the event that a student is not accepted into the concentration, the student should see their assigned adviser to explore other options.

Art Studio B.A. and B.F.A. majors

12 credits foundation studios

6 credits Art History surveys

B.F.A. Three-Dimensional Studies (3DS)

Ceramics

9 credits 3DS core

17 credits 3DS Ceramics requirements

21-22 credits 3DS studio electives

3 credits Art History requirement

3 credits Critical Issues in Contemporary Art

3 credits Digital Possibilities

3-4 credits 2D Elective

Visit the catalog for curriculum details.

More information on Georgia State’s undergraduate tuition can be found on the student financial service website.

Once in the program, Ernest G. Welch students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, nominated by the faculty. New area awards and scholarships are announced every Spring semester.

Goals and outcomes
  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to media, content, imagery and teaching styles.
  • Exploring the continuing traditions of art-making in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary concepts and issues.
  • Encouraging multidisciplinary approaches with other studio areas.
  • Preparing students for a professional arts career or secondary degree through development in workshops, exhibitions, internships, marketing and art handling, design, collaboration with peers, critique and artistic discourse, etc.

Description

Careers

The undergraduate programs at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design prepare students for competitive careers in contemporary art, art education, design and art entrepreneurship. Highlights include one-on-one mentorship with an internationally acclaimed faculty, access to art institutions and creative publications, networking with high-profile artists, scholars and businesses, participation in conferences and internships.

The program leads students to career paths such as graphic, interior and Web designers, multimedia artists, curators, gallery directors, museum and non-profit arts managers, art administrators, kindergarten through 12th art teachers, art educators, art historians and writers, creative directors at advertising and marketing firms, props and set design fabricators, and art appraisers, among others.

Contacts

Undergraduate Coordinator
Tim Flowers
[email protected]

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design
10 Peachtree Center Avenue SE
117 Art & Humanities Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30303

35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.