Sculpture
Overview
Sculpture programs teach people how to create works of art in three dimensions using clay, plaster, stone, and other materials.This program includes topics such as:
- Art history
- Sculpture form, shape, and composition
- Techniques including carving, molding, casting, and welding
- Basic art principles including drawing and design
- Use of materials including clay, plaster, wood, stone, soapstone, and metal
Schools
Very few community colleges and independent art schools offer associate degree programs in sculpture. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.
Many independent art schools, colleges, and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in sculpture. A BFA degree usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.
Several universities offer Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in sculpture. A MFA degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Art and Fine Arts, General
- Art Therapy
- Ceramic Art and Design
- Crafts
- Metal and Jewelry Arts
- Multimedia and Intermedia
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Many programs require you to submit separate application materials in addition to your general college application. Usually you have to complete preliminary art courses, write a personal statement, and submit a portfolio of your work.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Art
- Art Appreciation
- Art History
- Metal and Wood Technology
- Sculpture
- Visual Art, Independent Study
- Welding
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in sculpture
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Portfolio of works
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Art History
- Ceramic Sculpture
- Color Theory
- Computer Graphics/Multimedia
- Design in Two and Three Dimensions
- Drawing
- Humanities
- Jewelry
- Languages
- Life Drawing
- Painting
- Photography
- Principles of Composition
- Sculpture
- Visual Theory
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in sculpture typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis and portfolio of finished work (master's degree)
- Preliminary exam (doctoral degree)
- Dissertation (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
You can begin developing your portfolio in high school with hobby and project work.
Independent art schools may focus more intensively on studio work and career preparation. Colleges and universities typically require general courses in addition to studio art requirements. Most programs now also teach computer techniques in visual arts.
In many cases you have to pay a fee in addition to regular course tuition. The fee covers the cost of materials. In addition, you usually have to buy a set of carving tools.
Many programs offer personal studio space to BFA students.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Fine Arts
- Fine Arts--General Studio Option
King-Snohomish Area
South Seattle College
- Ceramics & Sculpture Pre-Major
University of Washington - Seattle
- Art--3D4M (3-Dimensional Forum: Ceramics, Glass, Sculpture)
Spokane Area
Gonzaga University
- Art
Spokane Falls Community College
- Fine Arts--Three Dimensional Art
Whitworth University
- Art--Track III: Three-Dimensional (Ceramics, Sculpture, Glass)
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Welded Sculpture and Fabrication
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Art--Studio