WSS Certificate Programs

WSS Foundation & Master Certificate Programs

The certificate program at the Washington Studio School offers an immersive learning process for the serious art student, beginner to advanced, who wants to grow in the practice of art and art-based research. Students will have the opportunity to engage with other certificate students at the school and join in events catered for their growth. Students can use classrooms in between classes to develop their work, will have one-on-one mentorship and will also have early registration access. Consider joining a vibrant group of dedicated students!

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Foundation Certificate

Early Registration

Gain access to pre-registration and sign up for classes ahead of time.

Pathway Guidance

One-on-one advising from our practicing-artist faculty members.

Open Studio Access

Use available studios to do your classwork or personal work.

Upon availabilty*

Certificate Program Benefits

WSS Foundation Certificate Program

Washington Studio School's FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM is a 2-year program designed to equip the individual student with solid technical and conceptual proficiency.

WSS Foundation Certificate Program Overview

Launched in the Fall of 2018, the WSS FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM offers a structured curriculum that introduces students to the materials, techniques, language, and concepts of visual art. Students who complete the program are able to translate the observed world with both a solid degree of technical skill and emphatic response. By the second year, students will be exposed to a variety of traditional and contemporary practices and will begin to see how they each connect to the visual world in their own personal way. Hard work and commitment are expected, including work outside of the classroom.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor throughout the program to advise on course selection and to provide feedback.

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR: This program is ideal for individuals with all levels of experience who want to engage in a deeper process of learning. Whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, this certificate program focuses on building a solid foundation in drawing and painting. Participants will learn to develop strong technical skills through direct observation and will learn to push the work from that solid foundation.

2-Year Foundation Certificate Course Pathway

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Comparison Table List Infographic year two Chart Graph Year Two.png

WSS Foundation Certificate Program Submission Requirements & Acceptance Criteria

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis, but students are encouraged to start the program during the Fall Term. The application process includes a form, a statement, an interview, and a non-refundable $50 application fee. There are no prerequisites, and a portfolio is not required.

It is recommended that you take at least one class and meet with the certificate program coordinator prior to applying.

APPLY TO WSS FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

WSS Master Certificate Program

Washington Studio School’s MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, designed for serious, advanced students at various stages of life, as an alternative non-degree option to a university MFA program. The Master Certificate Program has been a hallmark of the school’s offerings for over 30 years.

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis. Application is by form, statement, portfolio (see submission criteria below), recommendations, and a non-refundable application fee of $100.

Master Certificate Program Overview

Students who are accepted into the program enter with strong skills and a commitment to the rigor, seriousness of purpose, and curiosity necessary to the life of an artist. During their time in the program, students deepen their existing skills and begin producing work that is meaningful and personal to them. The genesis of their work may come from a vocabulary built out of direct observation but can move into abstraction, memory, or imagination.

The program involves required classes and coursework at an advanced level and independent time in the studio. Students work with a faculty advisor throughout. The final year of the program is primarily an independent study with a faculty mentor. The goal for each student is to develop a strong studio practice, discipline, and independent thinking, representing a level of mastery in the use of visual language, material technique, conceptual development and research.

The program culminates in a thesis exhibition of work, teaching students how to develop, produce, and mount a cohesive and personal body of work. WSS Master Certificate graduates have had successful careers as gallery-affiliated artists and as instructors of drawing and painting.

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR: The Washington Studio School’s MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM is tailored for serious and advanced students who are deeply committed to their artistic development. Whether you're an established artist seeking to refine your skills or a dedicated learner at any stage of life looking for a rigorous, immersive alternative to a traditional university MFA program, this program offers a comprehensive and focused pathway.

Master Certificate Program Course Pathways.png

*Intermediate/Advanced level course

WSS Master Certificate Program Submission Requirements & Acceptance Criteria

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis.

A portfolio of 20 works (see RUBRIC below for specifics) The work for consideration must demonstrate solid technical skills, but also a personal direction of interest.
Essay/Letter of Intent. Address the following: Briefly explain your current work. Why do you want to join the Master Certificate Program? What do you hope to gain from the program? What are you interested in developing research-wise?
Recommendation letters from 2-3 former art instructors, WSS or otherwise.
CV.

APPLY TO WSS MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM