Most people with degrees in ceramic art and design become independent artists and teachers. Many local arts and craft centers, as well as community colleges, offer ceramics courses to the public.

While most people don't associate the hard sciences with ceramics, it helps to have a basic knowledge of chemistry. This is because glazes are made up of minerals and other elements that must be measured and mixed precisely.

Often, ceramic students are employed in the ceramic studio. Students get paid while learning how to load, unload, and monitor kilns. They also learn how to mix clay and glazes.

In many cases you have to pay a fee in addition to regular course tuition. The fee covers the cost of art materials, which include clay, glazes, and energy used to fire kilns.

Many programs offer personal studio space to ceramic students. Usually this is for junior- and senior-level students.

Most programs require that you display your finished pieces in a showing at the school's local gallery. Also, some schools allow you to sell your work in shows that are open to the public.