FAQs

Can I make a living with this degree? What do careers look like in Craft & Material Studies?

Yes, Craft & Material Studies is a versatile degree that can lead you to a career as an studio artist, or in the design industry, at museums and non-profits, teaching, and more. Our alumni often navigated multiple paths working at OEMs, attending top grad schools, leading arts organizations, selling work in galleries and starting their own businesses.

Our curriculum emphasizes portfolio building, business practices, and entrepreneurship. In addition we host career events with gallerists, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and designers that give students exposure to a variety of career paths and help them network with employers.

We believe that a hands-on education makes competitive artists and designers with a unique skill set and point of view.

I don’t have much experience in craft, will that be a problem?

It is very common for students come to CCS little-to-no experience in their given discipline. Many students don’t have access to glassblowing, weaving, woodworking and other facilities at their high schools. Our curriculum is designed to accommodate students with no experience and bring them to professional proficiency by the time they graduate.

What is the first year like?

Craft & Material Studies students are part of an Foundation “pod” that is designed to lead students on a journey of discovery, skill development, and creative expression. Courses are designed for students to use a given media or practice to address conceptual prompts, develop form vocabulary, and innovate unique uses of material. Courses will inspire confidence, creative thinking, and work ethic, and will embrace traditional, conceptual, and experiential approaches.

Alongside your Foundation courses you have the opportunity to take two Craft electives, one in the fall and one in the winter. If you’re not sure what you want to study, you can take electives in different Craft areas.

What kind of work should I put in my portfolio?

Put your best work in your portfolio in any media. Admissions will be excited about drawing, painting, and photography as well as ceramics, sewing, jewelry, assemblage, collage, and other materials based projects. Do your best to photograph your work on a neutral background with bright light. If you have additional questions about your portfolio, there is great advice on our Admissions page.

How can I visit CCS?

Admissions has a variety of events and open houses where you visit the facilities, campus housing, and hear more about financial aid and school-wide resources. If you would like to set up a meeting directly with a Craft and Materials Studies representative by zoom or in person, please contact us.