Craft/Material Studies

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

School of the Arts

Program description

The Department of Craft and Material Studies explores the language of ceramics, glass, wood, fiber and metal. The department offers both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies and a Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts degree with concentrations in five disciplines: ceramics, fiber, furniture design, glassworking and jewelry/metalworking.

Students are encouraged to learn and explore through the traditional craft media. Together, faculty and students hone, improvise and redefine ancient technologies with new technologies; they bend and blend concepts and materials.

The Department of Craft and Material Studies is housed in a state-of-the-art facility that provides a safe and excellent physical environment in which to work. Students have access to well-equipped studios in each of the five media areas. The department shares the facilities with the departments of Sculpture, Painting and Printmaking, and Kinetic Imaging.

Career opportunities

Craft and Material Studies Alumni acquire different strengths and talents based on their research interests. One of the most obvious career paths that a BFA in Craft and Material Studies offers is as a professional artist. This may also include a Master’s degree in the Studio art, which is one path that the BFA prepares students for. Other career paths include: Ceramicist, Glass Artist, Jewelry Designer, Enameling and Metalwork Artist, Fibers, Textiles and Weaving Artist, and Public Artist/Outdoor Sculptor. Graduates may also consider a career in the business of art, including: Artist’s Agent, Studio Assistant, Gallery Owner, Art Critic/Writer, Educator, Display Designer, or Exhibitions Coordinator.

Change of major requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments. Students are required to submit their application here: http://arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/current-vcu-student/

Typical Application deadlines:

For Spring: November 1st

For Fall: April 1st

A portfolio is required

(more information here: http://arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/current-vcu-student/)

Bachelor-level job titles

Ceramic Artist
Craft Artist
Etcher/Engraver
Fabric Designer
Fashion Designer
Fiber Artist
Fine Artist
Furniture Designer
Furniture Finisher
Furniture Maker
Glass Blower, Molder, Bender, and Finisher
Jeweler

Graduate and professional level job titles

Artist Agent
College Professor
Gallery Curator
Museum Director

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Craft/Material Studies

Plan of study in Bulletin

Craft/Material Studies

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 131

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Craft and Material Studies

Building/room location:

Fine Arts Building, Room 239

Phone:

(804) 828-1477

Email:

crafts@vcu.edu

http://arts.vcu.edu/craft/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Check out the VCUArts Calendar.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
Explore “The Vault ” to learn about employers and job titles in your field of study.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Take the Sophomore Seminar class and complete 3 of the 5 courses of intro level Craft classes.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Sophomore Seminar class introduces students to an overview of the field, local professional and emerging artists and their studio practice. Seek opportunities with these new connections.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Apply to research, internship and international travel grants and scholarships on SOTA and University website every year.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Take the Junior Seminar class (which introduces conceptual development) and begin taking upper level Craft classes.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Submit work to juried exhibitions and external grant opportunities.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Work on developing your professional online presence.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Consider applying to Summer Intensive Programs for Craft artists and their scholarship programs around the country.
Apply for a show of your own work or curatorial project at The Anderson.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Create a website. Begin to work on your portfolio.
Create an annual budget for life after college.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Attend exhibitions, art fairs and professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Take the Senior Seminar (Capstone class) and Senior Studio class. Senior Studio is portfolio development course and is repeatable in the senior year.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Expand your local network by attending First Friday art openings and artist talks.
Attend networking events in the community.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Seek fieldwork opportunities with local artists or institutions for credit.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Gain feedback from professionals on your work.
Complete an internship.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Sign up for job alerts through Handshake and professional job boards.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

Craft/Material Studies

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.	Apply to join the Honors College. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs. Check out the VCUArts Calendar.	Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center. Explore “The Vault ” to learn about employers and job titles in your field of study.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program. Take the Sophomore Seminar class and complete 3 of the 5 courses of intro level Craft classes.	Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Sophomore Seminar class introduces students to an overview of the field, local professional and emerging artists and their studio practice. Seek opportunities with these new connections.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department. Apply to research, internship and international travel grants and scholarships on SOTA and University website every year.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.	Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Take the Junior Seminar class (which introduces conceptual development) and begin taking upper level Craft classes. Conduct independent undergraduate research.	Create a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Submit work to juried exhibitions and external grant opportunities.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Work on developing your professional online presence. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.	Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Consider applying to Summer Intensive Programs for Craft artists and their scholarship programs around the country. Apply for a show of your own work or curatorial project at The Anderson.	Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Create a website. Begin to work on your portfolio. Create an annual budget for life after college.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Attend exhibitions, art fairs and professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Take the Senior Seminar (Capstone class) and Senior Studio class. Senior Studio is portfolio development course and is repeatable in the senior year. Conduct independent undergraduate research.	Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above). Expand your local network by attending First Friday art openings and artist talks. Attend networking events in the community.	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department. Seek fieldwork opportunities with local artists or institutions for credit.	Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Gain feedback from professionals on your work. Complete an internship.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate. Sign up for job alerts through Handshake and professional job boards.