Artistic Glass and Design Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

The Artistic Glass and Design Certificate provides students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education in glassmaking, equipping them with the technical and creative skills necessary for entry into the art glass industry. Through a structured progression of courses, students gain hands-on experience in glassblowing, kiln-formed glass, lampworking, and coldworking techniques, ensuring a broad and versatile skill set.

With an emphasis on both functional and sculptural applications, students develop proficiency in color application, mold-making, team collaboration, and advanced decorative techniques such as graal, encalmo, cane work, and murrine. Additional coursework covers kiln-firing processes, glass casting, lost wax methods, and experimental design approaches.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Arts & Humanities

Department

Art

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Arts, Communication, Design

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate technical proficiency in glassmaking, including hot glass techniques (glassblowing) and kiln-formed glass processes.

  2. Apply design principles and critical thinking to create functional and sculptural glasswork.

  3. Utilize professional studio practices, safety protocols, and production techniques in glassmaking environments.

  4. Effectively communicate artistic intent through critiques, presentations, and written analysis.

  5. Integrate diverse cultural and artistic traditions in glassmaking, fostering an inclusive and informed creative practice.

  6. Develop advanced color and decorative applications, including cane work, murrine, encalmo, and layering techniques.

  7. Incorporate coldworking and finishing methods to refine and enhance glass objects.

  8. Create and execute complex, multi-step glass projects that showcase both technical mastery and conceptual depth.

  9. Demonstrate collaborative skills in team-based glass production, assisting and working alongside peers in a professional studio setting.

  10. Prepare a portfolio of original glasswork that demonstrates artistic growth and readiness for careers or further education in the art glass industry.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

Term 1

12 units
ART 240A - Beginning Glassblowing
This course is a beginning study of glass working techniques, including designing and producing vessel and sculptural forms in hot glass. Emphasis is on exploration of color, hot applications, team work, repeatable forms, sandblasting, cold working/fabrications, and non-conventional methods.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    2. or
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
ART 270A - Beginning Design in Glass
This course is a study of beginning glass-working techniques. Topics include producing functional, decorative, and sculptural forms in kiln-fired glass; composition in two dimensions using fusion/lamination of colored glass elements; and lampworked beads. 

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    2. or
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
ART 240B - Intermediate Glassblowing
This course is an intermediate study of hot glassworking techniques with an emphasis on developing and refining skills based on design and form. Demonstrations of intermediate techniques include team glassblowing, use of molds and repeatable forms, geared towards acquiring competence in studio management and production.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: ART 240A
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    3. or
  3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
ART 270B - Intermediate Design in Glass
This course is a study of intermediate glass-working techniques. Topics include designing and producing increasingly complex projects, techniques in fused glass, kiln controls, forming lost wax molds, and increasing complex soldering and lampworking.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: ART 270A
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    3. or
  3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H

Term 2

6 units
One sequence from the following:
This course is an intermediate/advanced study of glassworking techniques with an emphasis on the exploration of color design. Demonstrations of advanced color techniques will include graal, encalmo,cone work (Filigrana, Zanfirico) and murrin.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: ART 240B
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    3. or
  3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
AND
This course is an advanced study of glassblowing techniques. This class uses glass as an integral part of the artistic vision. Students will observe demonstrations and work both individually and within groups to develop a body of work. Emphasis is on exploration, personal narrative, both traditional and non-conventional glassblowing methods, installations, etc.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: ART 240C
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    3. or
  3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
OR
This course is a study of intermediate/advanced glass-working techniques. Topics include designing and producing increasingly complex projects, using different compatible materials, experimental techniques, monitoring live slumping of glass and cold-working glass.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: ART 270B
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    3. or
  3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
AND
This course is a study of advanced glass-working techniques. Topics include advanced mold making, casting glass, communication of creative ideas, demonstration of critical thinking skills, establishing theme and applying appropriate finishing techniques.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: ART 270C
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
    3. or
  3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H