Ceramic Arts: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Ceramic Arts is a dynamic, hands-on discipline that equips students with the technical expertise and creative vision to transform raw clay into expressive, enduring works of art. This program emphasizes both the craftsmanship and conceptual depth required to convey emotion, narrative, and personal expression through ceramic media.
- Handbuilt and wheel-thrown techniques: Mastery of foundational methods for shaping clay, including pinching, coiling, slab construction, and centering and throwing on the potter’s wheel.
- Molding and slip casting: Instruction in creating forms using molds and liquid clay (slip), enabling replication and precision in complex ceramic designs.
- Slips and glazes: Exploration of clay-based surface treatments and mineral coatings, including formulation, application methods, and visual effects through color and texture.
- Trimming and decorative processes: Development of refined finishing skills and surface embellishment techniques such as carving, sgraffito, and inlay.
- Firing and kiln operation: Comprehensive training in kiln types, loading procedures, temperature control, and the physical transformation of ceramics through heat.
- Oxidation and reduction firing: Understanding of atmospheric firing techniques that influence the final appearance and chemical properties of ceramic pieces.
- Mixed media integration: Experimentation with combining ceramics with other materials—metal, wood, glass, or digital elements—to expand artistic possibilities.
- Ceramic murals and large-scale installations: Study and practice in designing and constructing wall-based ceramic artworks and site-specific installations.
- Personal style development: Encouragement of individual artistic voice through conceptual exploration, portfolio building, and critical reflection.
Ceramic Arts Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Ceramic Arts Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Ceramic Arts degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators and Craft Artists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 112,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators 27-1013 | $60,560 | $26,420 - $140,660 | 10,000 | $29.12 |
| Craft Artists 27-1012 | $38,480 | $22,620 - $65,850 | 4,370 | $18.50 |
Ceramic Arts Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $41,790 in Kansas to $129,330 in Hawaii—a 209% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, California, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 112,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Ceramic Arts by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 46 institutions offering Ceramic Arts programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Ceramic Arts is found at Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) (13 graduates), Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) (9 graduates), Temple University (9 graduates), Butte College (8 graduates), and Hood College (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 153 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | kcai.edu |
| Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | mica.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Butte College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Oroville, California | Public | butte.edu |
| Hood College |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 | Frederick, Maryland | Private | hood.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Alfred University |
Master's
|
8 | Alfred, New York | Private | alfred.edu |
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | risd.edu |
| Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | massart.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
7 | New Paltz, New York | Public | newpaltz.edu |
| Cranbrook Academy of Art |
Master's
|
6 | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan | Private | cranbrookart.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Glendale, California | Public | glendale.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Woodland Hills, California | Public | lapc.edu |
| Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | cia.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Master's
|
3 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Allan Hancock College |
Other Award
|
2 | Santa Maria, California | Public | hancockcollege.edu |
| California College of the Arts (CCA) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | San Francisco, California | Private | cca.edu |
| Cerritos College |
Associate's
|
2 | Norwalk, California | Public | cerritos.edu |
| Diablo Valley College (DVC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Pleasant Hill, California | Public | dvc.edu |
| Laney College |
Associate's
|
2 | Oakland, California | Public | laney.edu |
| Mendocino College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Ukiah, California | Public | mendocino.edu |
| West Los Angeles College (WLAC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Culver City, California | Public | wlac.edu |
| University of Hartford (UHart) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | West Hartford, Connecticut | Private | hartford.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Portland, Maine | Private | meca.edu |
| SUNY |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Fredonia, New York | Public | fredonia.edu |
| Folsom Lake College (FLC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Folsom, California | Public | flc.losrios.edu |
| Cuesta College |
Other Award
|
1 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | cuesta.edu |
| De Anza College |
Associate's
|
1 | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| Grossmont College |
Associate's
|
1 | El Cajon, California | Public | grossmont.edu |
| Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | South Lake Tahoe, California | Public | ltcc.edu |
| Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Monterey, California | Public | mpc.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Cecil College |
Other Award
|
1 | North East, Maryland | Public | cecil.edu |
| Columbia College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Columbia, Missouri | Private | ccis.edu |
| Webster University |
Other Award
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Rowan College of South Jersey |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Vineland, New Jersey | Public | rcsj.edu |
| Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Public | sfcc.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Master's
|
1 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| University of Akron |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| Marywood University |
Master's
|
1 | Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | marywood.edu |
| Texas Christian University (TCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Fort Worth, Texas | Private | tcu.edu |
| Bennington College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bennington, Vermont | Private | bennington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ceramic Arts programs
How much can I earn with a Ceramic Arts degree?
Salaries for Ceramic Arts graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators earn around $60,560. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $129,330 compared to $41,790 in Kansas. Approximately 112,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Ceramic Arts programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Ceramic Arts degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) (13 graduates), Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) (9 graduates), and Temple University (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Ceramic Arts growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 307 in 2010 to 153 in 2023-24. This represents a 50% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Ceramic Arts degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators, and Craft Artists. Related occupations employ approximately 112,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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