Ceramic Design and Production – Certificate of Achievement

Program Description
The Ceramic Design and Production Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in ceramic production, applied design, and related creative industries. This program supports hands-on training in ceramics, design principles, sculpture, and industrial production processes. Students develop both artistic and technical skills through coursework that integrates clay handling, wheel and hand-building techniques, digital design applications, production workflows, and safe operation of studio equipment including CNC tools and fabrication machinery.

The program is designed for completion within one year and requires 18 units across six core courses. It supports students seeking entry-level employment, those pursuing small-batch studio production, individuals preparing for advanced art therapy studies, and professionals looking to expand their applied design skill sets.

Program Requirements

Students must complete the following six courses (18 units):

1. ART 708 – Introduction to Ceramics

2. ART 502 – Beginning 3D Design

3. ART 709 – Intermediate Ceramics

4. ART 501 – Beginning 2D Design

5. ART 710 – Advanced Ceramics

6. ART 700 – Introduction to Sculpture

The program is structured to remain financially accessible by limiting total units while maintaining a comprehensive, skills-centered curriculum.

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Program Goals and Objectives

The Ceramic Design and Production Certificate of Achievement is designed with an occupational goal and prepares students for entry-level employment in ceramic production, applied design, and related creative industries. The program also supports transfer preparation, basic design and fabrication skills, and lifelong learning for students seeking continued artistic development.

Occupational Goal (Primary Purpose)

This program provides students with the technical, artistic, and production-oriented skills required for employment in ceramic design, small-batch studio production, industrial ceramics, fabrication environments, and other applied design occupations. The curriculum trains students in production workflows, kiln operation, safety protocols, 2D/3D design principles, and use of equipment such as CNC machinery—skills directly aligned with regional workforce needs.
A regional recommendation has been met, supported by the Center for Excellence in Labor Market Research, which identifies a strong supply gap (1,600 annual openings) and high demand for workers to replace retiring designers.

Transfer Preparation (Secondary Purpose)

Students completing this certificate will gain foundational 2D and 3D design skills, ceramics experience, and sculpture techniques that align with lower-division coursework in Studio Art, Applied Design, Industrial Design, and related university programs. While the certificate is not explicitly a transfer degree, it provides essential portfolio development and foundational competencies useful for upper-division study.

Basic Skills Development

The program introduces core creative and technical competencies required for success in higher-level art and design coursework, including:

• visual literacy,

• problem-solving through form and material,

• spatial reasoning,

• craftsmanship and precision,

• safe and effective use of studio equipment.
  These skills support academic persistence, improved design thinking, and readiness for both workplace and transfer-level expectations.

The Ceramic Design and Production Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in ceramic production, applied design, and related creative industries. This program supports hands-on training in ceramics, design principles, sculpture, and industrial production processes. Students develop both artistic and technical skills through coursework that integrates clay handling, wheel and hand-building techniques, digital design applications, production workflows, and safe operation of studio equipment including CNC tools and fabrication machinery.

The program is designed for completion within one year and requires 18 units across six core courses. It supports students seeking entry-level employment, those pursuing small-batch studio production, individuals preparing for advanced art therapy studies, and professionals looking to expand their applied design skill sets.

Students must complete the following six courses ( 18units):

1. ART 708 – Introduction to Ceramics

2. ART 502 – Beginning 3D Design

3. ART 709 – Intermediate Ceramics

4. ART 501 – Beginning 2D Design

5. ART 710 – Advanced Ceramics

6. ART 700 – Introduction to Sculpture

There are no similar certificate programs at LAVC.  However, the certificate is an entry level to the studio arts associates degree or associates degree to transfer.

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