Post-Baccalaureate in Ceramics
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Post-Baccalaureate in Ceramics program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree to develop their portfolio and research interests while working in an active, academic studio environment within a diverse and inclusive community. The program welcomes applications from students working across the expanded spectrum of ceramic practices including: vessel and tableware design, object-based sculpture, the figure, social practice, installation, performance, multimedia, and digital modeling/fabrication.
Faculty
Technician
Facilities
The 8,000 sq ft studio, supervised by a full-time technician, includes wheel-throwing and hand-building areas, a well-stocked glaze lab with spray booth, and a dedicated plaster lab. The Ceramics Area also includes a 5,300 sq ft outdoor kiln pad with enclosed material storage and atmospheric kilns.
Tools and Equipment
30 electric pottery wheels, 2 Heated Plaster Drying Cabinets, 2 Brent Slab Rollers, Laguna Spray Booth, Soldner, Bluebird and Peter Pugger Clay Mixers, Bluebird and Shimpo Pugmills, and a Shimpo Ballmill.
Kilns
- 8 computer-controlled electric kilns
- 32ft³ gas downdraft kiln
- 90ft³ gas downdraft car kiln
- 180ft³ gas downdraft car kiln
- 40ft³ gas updraft kiln
- 5ft³ gas downdraft test kiln
- 300ft³ wood-fired anagama kiln
- 50ft³ gas crossdraft soda kiln
- 6ft³ gas drum raku kiln
- 18ft³ fast-fire wood kiln
Visiting Artists
The mission of Frostic School of Art’s Visiting Artist program is tri-fold: to provide students direct, meaningful contact with working artists, both established and emerging; to elevate the regional, national, and international profile of the Frostic School of Art and Richmond Center for Visual Arts; and to nurture a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff within WMU’s College of Fine Arts. Recent visiting artists and scholars that have enriched the ceramics curriculum include; Michelle Summers, Tom Jaszczak, Matt Long, John Balistreri, Brad Schweiger, George Rodriguez, Alex Zablocki, Peter Pincus, Mark Errol, Sam Chumley, Julie Moon, Trey Hill, Nathan Prouty, Raven Halfmoon, Stuart Gair, Kyle Johns, Chandra DeBuse, Jamie Bates Slone, Lars Voltz, Gustav Hamilton, Kristen Cliffel, Michael Lorsung, Jenn Cole, Akeylah Imani Wellington, Savanna LaBauve, & Eric Zohn.
Enrollment
Each semester, Post-Bac students enroll for (1) credit hour as non-degree-seeking students in ART 5300: Graduate Ceramics I.
Estimated Semester Tuition and Fees (2025-2026)
$1112 (MI Residents) $1530 (Non-Resident) parking pass not included
Program Length
1 – 2 academic years
Studio Space
80-90 sq. ft. with flexible shelving, work surfaces, and pottery wheel as needed. 24/7 studio access with swipe card.
Materials and Firing
Full access to Glaze Lab, Plaster Lab, clay mixing facilities, dry materials, and indoor and outdoor kilns.
Work Exchange
The Post-Bac program includes an 8-hour work exchange per week. Students assist faculty members in the classroom with studio organization, clay and glaze mixing, or special projects.
Professional Development and Exhibition Opportunities
Post-Bac students have several professional development resources available, including assistance with CV/resume, artist statement, preparation for graduate school, and application to residencies and gallery exhibitions. They also participate in all Ceramics Area exhibitions and have the option to propose and mount a solo exhibition of their work.
Student Organization
Ceramic Arts Student Organization (CASO) is a student-run organization that facilitates visiting artists, group artwork sales, and other events on campus each semester.
About Kalamazoo, MI:
Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a metropolitan community of 150,000 residents located in Southwest Michigan, a little over two hours from Chicago, IL, and Detroit, MI. Home to nationally recognized Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo is a city filled with energy and innovation. A vibrant downtown features quality dining, unique shops, galleries, and live entertainment. In Kalamazoo, you’re never far from several lakes and other outdoor recreation or one of over 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Kalamazoo averages $750- $ 950 in monthly rent for 2-bedroom apartments, with minimal campus commutes and an average cost of living. Our students enjoy easy access to a wide range of art-making materials and several grocery options from Trader Joe’s to Costco.
APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM
Application Deadlines:
April 18th for Fall Semester enrollment
Please prepare the following items as part of your application.
- Cover Letter, explaining your interest in the program and research goals (1-2 pages)
- CV/Resume
- Artist Statement
- 15-20 images of your work with descriptions
- Contact information for two professional references
Submit via email as a single PDF to Kyle Triplett - kyle.triplett@wmich.edu. Please use the subject line “Post-Bac application [your name]” on the email.
*University application and transcripts are required when accepted into the Post-Bac program.