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Ceramics MFA

Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics

Explorethe expansive practices of clay as both a historic and contemporary material with the Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics program at the at 51Թ. Through an engaged presence in the field, a supportive community of students and alumni, and a critical pedagogy, the two-year, 60-credit master's degree program offers a multitude of perspectives, approachesand possibilities. Our internationally recognized faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and Philadelphia’s diverse clay culture offera generative space to imagine and expand oneself and one’s work. 

The close-knit Ceramics MFA community is connected to the extended Tyler MFA cohort through mentorship from a faculty of socially conscious artists, technologists, designers and art historians. The engage one-on-one with students to develop individual direction and encourage the exchange of ideas—in the studio and across Philadelphia—supported by the resources of 51Թ, a large public research university.

Using a studio-based approach complemented by art history seminars, the program’s curriculum empowers students to engage deeply and develop a holistic practice with supportive research and interdisciplinary exploration.

As members of the region’s preeminent ceramics program, students partner with organizations in Philadelphia—a city with an established clay tradition and a thriving contemporary art scene—as well as other major cultural centers nearby, including New York. Philadelphia also offers opportunities for students to join a flourishing arts and culture community and work as practicing artists and professionals.

Hands-on Learning and Experiences

Tyler's graduate ceramics curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, as well as encouraging MFA students to take advantage of Philadelphia's art resources and institutions. With a wide range of tools and equipment, the program supports wheel work, mold-making and slip-casting projects, and digital fabrication. Large kilns are available for hand-building and sculpture. Students are expected to demonstrate both conceptual and technical excellence, as well as a profound interest in research and experimentation. Students are encouraged to investigate a wide range of processesas they develop their own personal visions.

Thesis Exhibition

An approved thesis exhibition, written statement of working philosophy, and a digital portfolio are required at the final review in order to meet the MFA requirements. The thesis exhibition should be the fruit of the two years' studio research and practice in which the student engaged. The student defends their thesis exhibition to the review committee. The committee then evaluates the exhibition as pass with distinction, pass or fail.

student works on their ceramics project in the studio.

Program Format & Curriculum

With core courses aligned over two weekdays, students have considerable flexibility and choice when selecting art history, elective and seminar classes, either within Tyler’s graduate curriculum or across the university. Courses in critique and critical discourse are foundational to the first year of study. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students also participate in directed studio research and an MFA thesis gallery exhibition in their final semester of study.

Other courses students in the Ceramics MFA program can expect to take include the following.

  • Art History Seminar

  • Critique and Critical Discourse I and II

  • Directed Studio Practice

  • Graduate Projects, Ceramics

  • Master of Fine Arts Thesis

Learn more about the Ceramics MFA program curriculum.

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51Թ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,361.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,810.00 per credit

You can view the full .

Our Advisors

Tyler's offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. Our academic advisors will help you chart your course through yourprogram, and ensure you are on a clearpath.

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in . General questions can be submitted to the team's during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office
Tyler 212
2001 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

For more information about the Ceramics MFA program, please contact
Lauren Sandler, program head of ceramics.
Email:

Student Clubs & Organizations

Enhance your coursework, build meaningful networks and gain leadership experience by participating in student-led clubs and organizations. Below are examples of groups at Tyler that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.

  • is a community of studentartistsand enthusiasts who worktogether to grow and inspire one another through the shared craft.
  • is a graduate, student-led organization that connects Tyler peers with resources, information, social events and other activities, including publication of the annual MFA thesis catalog.
  • is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education.
  • provides a forum for exchange of ideas that enriches the experience of graduate art history students, including events, guest lectures, interaction with alumni, museum trips and peer gatherings that support new students and aid advisors in recruiting prospective students.
  • at 51Թ’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.
Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.

Programs to study in ,and Venice are offered throughout the year.

For a half-century, has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

51Թ Japan offers a . Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.
Email:
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

  • (Master of Architecture)
  • (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
  • (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
  • (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

Additional Program Information