Explore the art of ceramics in depth
The BFA in Ceramics at Indiana University Southeast offers immersive, hands-on training designed to help you master both the technical and creative sides of ceramic art. You’ll work closely with faculty as you learn wheel throwing, hand forming, glazing, clay body preparation, and a variety of firing techniques. The program also includes instruction in mold making, mixed media applications, and current innovations in ceramic art.
Learn the history, explore the contemporary in Ceramics
Coursework combines studio practice with an exploration of ceramic history, aesthetics, and contemporary issues in the field. You’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to create original work, develop a professional portfolio, and connect your passion for ceramics to broader artistic and cultural contexts.
Take your ceramics practice to the next level
With access to well-equipped studios and expert faculty mentors, you’ll have the resources and support to push your skills further. IU Southeast attracts ceramics students from across the Louisville metro and Southern Indiana, many of whom go on to top post-baccalaureate and MFA programs nationwide.
More information and images of the IU Southeast Ceramics Program can be found The Clay Bucket website
Find IUS Ceramics on social media at the IUS Ceramics Facebook page and the IUS Ceramics Instagram account
- 3280 square feet of studio, clay and glaze mixing, and indoor firing space
- A ventilated main studio with 11 electric wheels with workspace for hand building, extruding, slab rolling, etc.
- Brent slab roller
- Brent extruder
- Amaco ball mill
- Ventilated clay mixing room with 3 clay mixers (Soldner Professional, Bluebird, Walker pug mill
- Indoor ventilated kiln room with 2 gas reduction kilns (Bailey Car Kiln and a smaller gas kiln), 4 computer controlled electric kilns (Skutt and L&L)
- 45′ x 18′ covered outdoor kiln area with wood kiln, saggar kiln, raku kiln, and a cross-draft gas soda kiln
- Ventilated glaze room with spray booth and stainless steel countertops
- Material inventory of over 100 clay and glaze materials
- Mixed media and plaster work area with outdoor access, plaster mold dryer, and compressed air
- 21 ton log splitter
- Covered storage space for over 5 cords of wood for the wood kiln
- Sandblaster
- Lincoln arc welder
- Drill Press
- An assortment of hand and power tools
- Private studios for 4 BFA students and 2 Post-Baccalaureate students
- Additional storage space for student clay and shelving for artwork
- The SpaceLab, an exhibition and installation space located in the Ceramics area.
LINK More about the SpaceLab
The Post-Baccalaureate Opportunity in Ceramics at IU Southeast provides students who have completed undergraduate studies at a school other than IUS a chance to build their portfolio so they can reach the next phase of their careers. More information can be found at https://claybucket.com/postbacc/
The IU Southeast Ceramics Program provides a yearlong Resident Artist position at the rank of Adjunct Faculty for an outstanding artist/educator. We look for someone who can be an active presence in the Ceramics studio and work alongside the other faculty and students in our program.
The position requires an active exhibition record and competence in a wide range of ceramic processes/techniques. The person hired teaches one beginning ceramics course each semester and work in the studio as needed to help with the basic operations of the IU Southeast Ceramics area. Teaching additional 3D design courses each semester is often an option, depending on course availability and qualifications.
Clay, glazes, and firing are provided within reason. A 90 sq. ft. studio in the ceramics area with a locking door is provided, along with 24/7 building access. Additionally, an NCECA conference pass is provided. More information on the Resident Artist can be found at https://claybucket.com/resident-artist/
We have an active visiting artist program, usually hosting 2-3 artists per year. Our visiting artist program is a way to connect our students to contemporary working artists from around the country. Recent visiting artists include: Malcolm Mobutu Smith, Martha Grover, Lauren Herzak-Bauman, Blake Williams, Theo Uliano, David Katz, Mathew McConnell, Linda Lopez, Dylan Beck, Linda Swanson, Israel Davis, Teri Frame, Daniel Bare and Valerie Zimany. More information about our visiting artist program can be found at https://claybucket.com/ius-ceramics-visiting-artists/
Career Information
Graduates have gone on to become ceramic artists and have continued their studies in competitive post-baccalaureate and MFA programs nationwide. Career opportunities include working as a freelance designer or creative entrepreneur, or, with additional licensure, working as an art educator. Join a community of committed artists and begin shaping your future in the visual arts at IU Southeast.
Degree Information
120 Credit hours
Minimum culumulative GPA of 2.0
In-person
Degree requirements
Please visit the IU Southeast Bulletin website for specific degree requirements.