Overview

The Ceramics programme at the University of Kansas offers an immersive environment where students master traditional techniques alongside contemporary artistic practices. This four-year curriculum is designed to foster deep technical knowledge while encouraging personal creative exploration within a vibrant studio community. Students engage in rigorous practical work supported by historical research and regular critical dialogue with faculty.

The course structure transitions from foundational skill-building to advanced, self-directed projects. Participants gain hands-on experience with a wide range of materials and processes, including handbuilding, wheel throwing, and slip casting.

Why Ceramics at the University of Kansas?

Students benefit from exceptional facilities, including the Interdisciplinary Ceramic Research Center, which serves as a hub for experimental clay manipulation. The campus features specialized labs for plaster work and slip casting, alongside a dedicated glaze laboratory equipped with ball mills and blungers. These resources allow for high-level technical investigation into material science and surface development.

The university provides extensive firing capabilities, ranging from electric and gas reduction kilns to atmospheric options like salt and wood. The Chamney Barn Complex offers a massive 6,000 square foot kiln shed housing a variety of specialized kilns, such as a 450 cubic foot anagama and a hybrid soda/wood downdraft kiln. This infrastructure supports a diverse range of aesthetic outcomes, from low-temperature majolica to high-fire porcelain.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30177 per year
National fee: USD 30177 per year
Local fee: USD 11298 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers essential forming techniques, kiln technology, and material formulation. Modules may include:

Ceramics
Wheel Throwing
Clay Handbuilding
Mold Making and Slip Casting
Kilns
Clay and Glaze Formulation
History of Ceramics
Internship in Ceramics

Careers with Ceramics

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the visual arts and creative industries. The programme equips students with the professional skills necessary to establish independent studio practices or pursue roles in gallery management and arts education. The technical expertise gained in kiln design and material formulation also opens pathways into industrial design and ceramic manufacturing.

The experience gained through individual and group critiques prepares students for the professional art world, fostering the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Alumni often find success as exhibiting artists, technical consultants, or educators, leveraging the extensive network and resources provided by the department's dedicated faculty and research centres.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drawing

Art History

Art Concepts & Practice

Kilns

Ceramics
Physics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-25 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

Design Ceramics and Sculpture View 840 other Bachelors in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all previous coursework, including transfer coursework.
KU’s $90 application processing fee, payable by credit card.
English proficiency scores sent to KU by your testing agency.
Proof of high school graduation particular to your country.
Academic records. They can accept unofficial transcripts as part of the application, however, they must receive official transcripts before you enroll in an academic program.
If applicable: Educational Gap Statement. If, after high school, there was a period of time longer than three months that you were not enrolled in any educational program, you must write a short statement about your activity during that time. If you attended courses of any kind, include that information.
If applicable: SAT or ACT scores.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Out-of-State

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11298 USD / year

≈ 11298 USD / year

Living costs

Lawrence

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Ceramics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Lawrence

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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