Glassblowing Schools and Degree Programs

What You Need to Know

In a glassblowing program, you will learn not only how to sculpt different types of glassware, but also how to develop a portfolio, network and sell your creations. You'll often participate in group critiques of student work, allowing you to receive feedback from faculty and students while honing your craft.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

How Can I Learn Glassblowing?

You can receive glassblowing instruction in a number of different ways. If you'd like to learn about glassblowing fundamentals or how to make your own glassware, you may seek out schools that offer individual glassblowing courses through a continuing or professional education department. Many university chemistry departments also offer scientific glassblowing workshops to currently enrolled students. If you're interested in majoring in glass or working with glass for the bulk of your education, a fine arts degree program in glass art and sculpture may be right for you.

These schools offer glassblowing degree programs:

• Salem Community College (Carneys Point, NJ)
• Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore)
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Boston)
• University of Washington (Seattle)
• Normandale Community College (Bloomington, MN)
• Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
• Rhode Island School of Design (Providence)

What Degree Programs Are Available?

Glassblowing programs are offered at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. Associate of Fine Arts degree programs are usually two years long and consist of a general fine arts education in drawing, design and art history, with an opportunity to concentrate or take classes in glass sculpture. The 4-year bachelor's degree program options include similar fundamental training. However, many of these programs offer an increased number of available courses and facilities compared to associate's programs.

What About A Graduate Degree?

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in this field can offer 2-3 years of training in traditional and abstract glassblowing while providing you with studio space, faculty mentors and regular feedback. Some MFA programs offer funding through teaching assistantships and host regular exhibitions of student work. Programs typically culminate in a thesis project or final show, which may require you to spend roughly one-semester crafting glass work independently or with an adviser.

What Will I Learn In A Degree Program?

Coursework in glass degree programs usually begins with art history, art theory and introductory studio classes. You'll be exposed to several mediums and techniques for making and analyzing art objects before moving on to advanced courses in glassblowing or glass sculpture. Possible course topics include:

• Drawing
• Glass design
• Color theory
• Introduction to hot glass
• Optics
• Cold working glass
• Neon light sculpture
• Glass casting
• Holiday ornaments
• Glass jewelry
• Sculptural techniques
• Sculpture materials

Can I Learn Glassblowing Online?

Because glassblowing requires supervised interaction with dangerous materials, there is currently no glassblowing instruction available online. There are a small number of low-residency MFA programs available in sculpture that may include classes in glass, as well as some online coursework. However, these programs typically require on-campus residencies for equipment training and critiques. Online courses in low-residency programs usually require a computer with Internet access.