student molding clay sculpture

School of Art and Design

Who We Are

The School of Art & Design is a vibrant community of artists, designers, and scholars. Here, we create new knowledge in, through & and about the arts & design every day. What sets us apart is our intentional mentorship, and a deep commitment to student success to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and boundless creative possibility & innovation.

Request More Info Visit Us

#1
Top Ranking Programs

U.S. News & World Report ranked Alfred University's Fine Art programs in the top tier of MFA programs in the country. We are ranked #1 in Ceramic Arts; 3rd in Glass; and 9th for our MFA overall according to their Best Grad Schools rankings.

4+1
Business Admin Track

Through our 4+1 MBA program, you can earn your undergraduate degree AND your Master's in Business Administration in just five years.

120K
Square Feet to Play

You will have access to over 126,000 square feet of studio and classroom space including kiln rooms, photography studios, glaze studios and more.

male student making a woodworking project

1st in the Country

U.S. News & World Report ranked Alfred University's Fine Art programs in the top tier of MFA programs in the country. We are ranked #1 in Ceramic Arts; 3rd in Glass; and 9th for our MFA overall according to their Best Grad Schools rankings.

Galleries & Facilities

There's no shortage of inspiration right here on campus. In and out of class, you'll be encouraged to think critically about the making of art and can explore our own distinguished galleries and facilities anytime you wish:

outside image of the galleries museum
black and white history photo

History

Our School of Arts and Design is housed within the New York State College of Ceramics, a unique public/private partnership for over 100 years. That means you'll be creating art in a school that dates back to the 1900's while at the same time using the most advanced technology and resources.

To learn more, visit the NYSCC website.

Our Divisions

These are the areas of study you'll focus on here. In each division you'll work with world-renowned instructors, true experts in their field, utilizing the latest technologies, finest materials, and cutting-edge work spaces.
Girl molding ceramic clay

Ceramic Art

Alfred holds the prestigious top ranking in the country for ceramic art and it's easy to see why. Backed with a 125+ history in ceramic technology and processes, Alfred continues to turn out ground-breaking ceramic artists.

girl drawing on a table in a studio

Drawing & Painting

The Division of Drawing & Painting offers you a comprehensive approach to visual thinking and the making of artwork. With equal emphasis on materials and concepts, we offer a broad range of courses and experiences to help you negotiate the myriad options available in contemporary art practice. We support an inclusive approach to the disciplines of Drawing & Painting and work to encourage your broad thinking, both about these media and about the world.
person working on a computer in the lab

Expanded Media

Explore the traditional and the non-traditional in our Expanded Media Division. The Division of Expanded Media was created to support and embrace an experience and understanding of art and art-making that transcends the divisions that have traditionally existed among the disciplines of printmaking, photography, digital interactive arts, video arts, and sonic arts.
two students working with hot glass in the studio

Sculpture-Dimensional Studies

The Sculpture-Dimensional Studies Division at Alfred University draws on a diversity of conceptual and technical approaches to offer an expansive educational experience. From glass sculpture to neon work to paper, wood, metal and more, the Division provides students a creative experience inclusive of their preferred media. This study area is grounded in a material tradition while simultaneously promoting creative study challenging the ever-expanding field of sculpture.
students analyzing a ceramic pot

Art History

The Art History Division plays a formative and sustaining role in the development of the modern concept of art. We believe that art history enriches and deepens your involvement with art by providing you with necessary critical and analytical skills and a strong foundation for learning.
student smiling while working on an art piece

First-Year Foundations

A course for first-year students that's predicated on generating a rigorous studio practice through comprehensive teaching philosophy.

Thesis exhibit background logo

Student Work

Each year, candidates of the Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) and Master of Fine Art (MFA) degrees showcase their work in a series of culminating exhibitions.

student wearing headphones drawing in the studio

Undergraduate Art Portfolio

For Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Science in Art History and Theory (BS), School of Art & Design applicants.

two females working on a glass blowing vase

Arts At Alfred

For true artists, there's nothing more empowering than being given the space to thrive. At Alfred, you'll create without constraints on a...

Summer workshop photo

Alfred Summer Arts

Alfred Summer Arts offers four weeks of workshops, high school institutes and residencies across disciplines in our world class facilities. From sound and printmaking to dance, 3-D printing to theatre, we welcome you to explore all our magic valley has to offer you this summer.


photo of the inside of an art gallery

Museums & Galleries

You will learn something new every time you enter Alfred University's world-class museums and galleries.

Art and Design Events

Nov 16
November 16 | Miller Theater
Nov 13
Nov 12
November 12 | Zoom (See event details below for information on how to join)
We'll Help You Find The Answers

Contact Us

School of Art and Design
Binns-Merill Hall
Lauren Lake
Dean of the School of Art & Design/Performing Arts Division